I am as Colchester as they come. I moved to Colchester when I was four having been born in Waltham Forrest. I am married to Rachel and have local family in Prettygate, Stanway and Mersea.

I went to school locally, first at Prettygate Infants and Junior School before moving onward to Philip Morant School. I also attended Colchester Institute for his further and Higher Education and continued my education through to Masters Degree Level whilst working full-time.

Within Colchester I have lived in Prettygate, St Johns where I purchased my first house in 1999 and then moved to Mile End in 2005 where I also met Rachel my wife.

In my professional life, I am a Chartered Manager, belonging to the CMI and belong to the Project Management Institute having worked for some major commercial brands including Powergen, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, Monster Worldwide, Towergate Partnership Insurance, Cofunds and MS Amlin Insurance.

I have worked in a number of senior leadership roles delivering projects and programmes whilst also undertaking a number of operational leadership roles in media, energy and financial services.

Outside of politics, my hobbies include reading – particularly Autobiographies, scuba diving (I am PADI Open water advanced qualified), cycling, going to the gym, running, along with visiting National Trust and English Heritage properties.

In my political life, I have been a Councillor for Mile End since 2008, before becoming the Leader of the Liberal Democrat group and the Cabinet Member for Waste and Neighbourhoods. I have also chaired the Local Plan for a number of years as well as being a Director of Amphora Trading.

I was also selected to stand for the Liberal Democrats in 2019 for the Colchester Constituency following the retirement of former MP Sir Bob Russell.