I learned my conservative values watching my parents as I grew up. My father worked in manufacturing, sometimes holding down two or even three jobs, and my mother worked at a local school, helping children who had had a difficult start with pastoral care. We didn’t always have much, but my brother and I were given a lot of love and taught to work hard.
I was fortunate to attend a brilliant state school, and from there I became the first member of my family to go to university. Because I appreciate the difference education has made to my life, I am determined to play my part in making sure as many children as possible have the chance to learn in an excellent school, wherever they live and whatever their background.
These days, I am the dad doing several jobs. I am a business consultant, helping British firms in sectors from aerospace to finance. I write a column in The Daily Telegraph each Monday, and a sports column every month in The Critic. My book about the future of conservatism, Remaking One Nation, was published in 2020 amid positive reviews and widespread acclaim.
But I am not content only to write about the future of our country. I am deeply patriotic, and believe we all have a responsibility, in our different ways, to serve our country and local communities. I grew up benefiting from a loving family, a strong community and services funded by the taxpayer, and I want everybody else, young and old, to have the opportunities made possible by that security.
This is why I believe so strongly in public service, and why I am standing as the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate here in West Suffolk. My promise is to listen carefully to you and work tirelessly for everyone here. West Suffolk deserves an MP who can give you the voice you need to be heard in government – so things are done in your interests.
I have the mix of knowledge and experience – in government and in the real world – that will allow me to do that for you. Earlier in my career, I ran the New Schools Network, a charity dedicated to opening great new schools within the state sector. I worked as a special adviser in the Home Office for five years, focusing on police reform, immigration and counter-terrorism policy. I served as the Prime Minister’s chief of staff in Downing Street between 2016 and 2017.
I am married to Martina, stepfather to Keeva and Emily, and father to Sylvia. We have a beautiful Irish setter, called Monty. When I can, I enjoy watching football and cricket, and going skiing with the family.