My front-line role
I am the Conservative Councillor for Chorleywood division, which includes Sarratt and Hunton Bridge (Three Rivers). I am also the Executive Member for Localism and Libraries on the County Council. The ‘Your Community’ section provides local services information, news, events and contacts about the area.
As the county councillor for Chorleywood, Sarratt and Hunton Bridge, I represent the interests of the residents of these communities on the County Council. I work closely with the Three Rivers District Councillors for the same areas; our Member of Parliament, David Gauke, who lives in Chorleywood; and active residents’ and community groups such as the Chorleywood and Sarratt Resident’s Associations.
Residents who wish to raise any issue with me are welcome to do so at any time, whether by e-mail, letter or telephone. I will always deal promptly with casework issues.
As is the case with every County Councillor, I have a locality budget of £10,000 a year to spend on community projects in the division. Follow the links for more details of the scheme and details of applications I have previously agreed and declined.
My county council responsibilities
I was first elected to the county council in 2009 and have been the Executive Member for Localism and Libraries since 2011, having previously held Deputy Cabinet responsibility for Adult Care Services and Health.
I have political responsibility for the council’s 47 libraries, the Customer Services Centre, volunteers and volunteering, culture and sport. I am committed to developing and introducing localism, to give our residents a far greater involvement in decision making in their local communities.
Roles on outside bodies
In 2011, I was appointed as a Trustee of the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and I am also an elected member of the Board nationally of the Conservative Councillor’s Association
Personal, professional and political
I was born, raised and educated in Bournemouth in Dorset. I was first elected a county councillor at the age of 21 in 1981 on Dorset County Council, becoming Deputy Leader of the County Council in 1985. From 1981 to 1983 I was National Vice Chairman of the Young Conservatives and I contested the Parliamentary seat of Hull North in 1983. I was elected as a member of Three Rivers District Council in 2004 where I now serve as Leader of the Opposition Conservative Group.
I am married with two young children and live in Chorleywood
hide this text