Why choose me?
I want to represent London Borough Councillors to the CCA Board and Party, not the other way round!
It isn’t easy being a Conservative in London. But I refuse to believe we are in terminal decline. London is dynamic, entrepreneurial and innovative. If we show people that the Conservatives are too, we can grow again in our capital.
I have been a London activist and member for more than 25 years. I was a parliamentary candidate in Hackney in 2005, a GLA candidate in 2012 and was elected as a Waltham Forest Councillor in July that year. I have held that seat in three subsequent elections.
I have been an Area Chairman and Deputy Chairman, and an Association Chairman and Deputy Chairman. I was DCP and then Chairman for Sir Iain Duncan Smith through the last three General Elections and I am working hard to see him re-elected again.
As a campaign consultant, I work with clients to help them get elected. And I want to help more Conservative councillors get elected across London.
My career outside politics
I grew up in Yorkshire, moving to London in the 1980s when I went to Kingston Polytechnic (yes, I am that old). After college I lived in Islington, then moved to Walthamstow and then to Chingford.
My early career was in property, qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor and working in Docklands through the early 90s. I was part of the team that brought Canary Wharf out of administration, and then helping to deliver the Excel Exhibition Centre project.
Joining colleagues in a start-up development business after Docklands, I worked with Councils to deliver regeneration projects. That got me involved with the policy review led by Lord Heseltine for David Cameron before the 2010 general election.
I then worked for an MP for a year, then ran my own consultancy helping clients as diverse as Hammersmith Council and the Church of England deliver regeneration projects.
I don't do just politics!
I’m probably happiest high in the mountains looking down on fresh powder. But I can’t do that all the time!
Aside from helping people want to get elected, and being a Councillor, I chair the board of an Almshouse charity which houses alsmost 100 people in Walthamstow and Chingford.
I also enjoy my trips to the gym for gruelling spin classes. Even signing up for a 12-hour marathon for charity!