Hastings Borough Council
I first came onto Hastings Borough Council in 2000, representing the St Helens ward. Boundary changes in 2002 meant that I was returned to represent Conquest, a completely new ward comprising the eastern part of Ashdown and the western part of St Helens wards. In the election held on 10th June 2004 I was re-elected to serve for the next four years.
After the Hastings Borough Council elections on 4th May 2006, I was elected as Leader of the Council. This is a tremendous honour, which I shall endeavour to be worthy of over the next couple of years.
Committees I serve on
- Cabinet - Leader of the Council.
Outside bodies
- Local Strategic Partnership
- 1066 Enterprise
- Hastings & Bexhill Task Force Steering Group
- Local Government Association
Outside interests
- LEA Governor at Little Ridge CP School
- Chairman, Hastings & Bexhill Charlton Athletic Supporters' Club
- National Trust
- Vines Society (Committee member)
- Old Tonbridgians Society
- English Speaking Union
My other life
Having worked at a couple of small local schools in the 1980s, I worked as a coach driver and, for the last couple of years, secretary at Empress Coaches in St Leonards from 1990 until early in 2003. This has to be one of the best ways of meeting different people. Every day, somebody new and they all talk to you and let you know what they think.
Since November 2003 I have been working for the Child Support Agency at Ashdown House. There, people really tell you what they think of you! It is interesting work and, on occasions, very rewarding. Since becoming Leader of the Council, I have reduced my hours at the CSA to give the time required to my new responsibilites.
