I was born into a farming family on the North Kent Coast in the Borough of Swale and have been a director of the family farm since leaving school.
I joined Graveney Parish Council in 1976 at the age of 23, became Chairman in 1980, a post which I subsequently held for about 11 years. Having played in a leading part in a campaign to keep the village school open, I became a school governor in 1980 and have served at various times as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Finance. I'm still a member of Graveney Parish Council and a Graveney School Governor.
I've been a Swale councillor for the Conservative Party since 1987, representing the Boughton and Courtenay ward. I became Leader of Swale Borough Council in 2002.
Within Swale my roles are - Conservative Group Leader, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cabinet and Executive. I'm a member of Kent County Council and take the role of Deputy Cabinet Member for Localism and Partnerships.
I joined Graveney Parish Council in 1976 at the age of 23, became Chairman in 1980, a post which I subsequently held for about 11 years. Having played in a leading part in a campaign to keep the village school open, I became a school governor in 1980 and have served at various times as Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chairman of Finance. I'm still a member of Graveney Parish Council and a Graveney School Governor.
I've been a Swale councillor for the Conservative Party since 1987, representing the Boughton and Courtenay ward. I became Leader of Swale Borough Council in 2002.
Within Swale my roles are - Conservative Group Leader, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cabinet and Executive. I'm a member of Kent County Council and take the role of Deputy Cabinet Member for Localism and Partnerships.
My other current responsibilities include:Chairman of the LGA Rural Commission
I've also been involved in:
- Chairman of the South East Rural Forum
- Vice Chairman of the Thames Gateway Kent Partnership
- Member of the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership
- Board Member of the Mid Kent Improvement Partnership
Establishing Swale Rural Forum – this was one of the first acts of the Conservative administration when we took control in 2002. This is a joint forum with representation from the National Farmers Union, Swale Branch Kent Association of Local Councils and officer and member level at Kent County Council.
- Securing duelling on the A299 Thanet Way.
- Re-structuring the Borough Council’s management and Local Strategic Partnership.
- Reworking the Borough Council’s Standing Orders and Constitution .
- Various planning appeals.
As you can see I'm passionate about farming, my local community, my borough and opportunities for the Kent region as a whole.
