NLC Administration

Paul Vesper

My family roots are in the Midlands but I moved to London at 18 to launch my hospitality career as a management trainee with a major hotels group. Since then my varied career has taken me around the globe with periods working in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Much of my professional life was spent building and developing a major hospitality business, the Smart Group Ltd, and I masterminded the Olympic Hospitality Centre for the 2012 Games in London. I’ve led teams that delivered major events including the Chelsea Flower Show, Ryder Cup golf, Henley Regatta, Farnborough and Paris Air Shows, Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, Euro 96 soccer, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and the Australian Open tennis.

Mentoring has been and remains a huge passion, and I am gratified that many of my protégés have gone on to achieve great success.

I love all sports, both spectating and partaking – where I remain fiercely competitive. Live music is another passion – rock, country, modern and dance. Travelling, dining out and exercise fill my remaining spare time.

I am greatly looking forward to working with both the staff and members of the NLC and sharing my wide-ranging experience to help drive up standards, enhance members’ experience and develop the Club’s considerable potential to attract new business.

Vita Rakstyte

Originally from Lithuania, I moved to London in 2003 and only planned to stay here a year, but fell in love with its architecture and multicultural population, so decided to make it my permanent home.

I’ve had a passion for numbers since a young age which led to me qualifying as an accountant. I am currently studying for CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), which I hope will see me one day a proud owner of the prized CIMA diploma.

I have mainly worked in the media sector (beauty and fashion). My last post was as Head of Finance for a major company offering services like location scouting, art buying, casting and logistics. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris and Rome, as well as London, this gave me the chance to travel and work with some of the most well-known designer brands in the world.

My main priority at the NLC has been to streamline and automate financial processes and bring the Club’s accounts into the 21st century. My time here hasn’t been without its challenges but I love the Club’s history, architecture and values and am very proud to be part of it.

In my spare time, my interests include snowboarding and reading strange facts.

Jon Oates

Originally from Epping in Essex, I cut my culinary teeth in fine dining at a restaurant in the Peak District after graduating in History from Sheffield Hallam University. I was then fortunate to make rapid progress through the ranks, gaining my first head chef position at the age of 24 across three Michelin-rated restaurants.

I moved back to the south in 2010, where I worked across London and Hertfordshire, again retaining Michelin Guide recognition and winning Hertfordshire’s best restaurant awards two years running.

Most recently, I spent several years at the Brocket Hall estate in Hertfordshire, where I was responsible for all the food-led outlets: the stately home, private members’ golf club & the Auberge du Lac restaurant.

My ambition for the Club: I would like our food to reflect our eclectic and diverse membership base, which in turn replicates my cooking style. I like to keep menus fresh, fluid and seasonal, evolving constantly throughout the year.

I live in rural Hertfordshire with my wife, Ashley, and two young children, Archie and Isla. When I’m not working, I enjoy, football and golf among other sports, and I’m a season ticket holder at Arsenal FC.

Sir Stuart Etherington

I am a lifelong Liberal supporter and have been a member of the NLC since 2015. After attending a secondary modern school I gained a first degree in Politics, two Masters’ degrees, and an MBA at the London Business School.

My career began as a social worker before many years spent in the charity sector: firstly running a mental health charity, then the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and finally, for 25 years, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. Made up of more than 15,000 separate charities, the NCVO represents their interests externally and provides services to improve their performance.

I retired from full-time work in 2020 and have since taken on the voluntary role of chairing various organisations. These include the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, where I live, the National Centre for Social Research and the Oversight Trust — which oversees the distribution of unclaimed assets from banks and other financial institutions to support young people and social investment.

I am honoured to take over as Chair of the Board of National Liberal Club Ltd, a critical part of our vibrant Club. I’m pledged to get us to break-even point financially in my three years of office. We have a very able leadership team and I plan to focus on greater room utilisation, improved digital marketing, and offering Club members new profitable services.

In my spare time I enjoy watching Surrey County Cricket Club and soccer at Charlton Athletic. I combine this with further academic work at the Open University in Philosophy and Classical Studies.

(Sir Stuart joined the Club in 2015 and became Chair of the Board in January 2025.)

Lyndsey Jones

A lifelong journalist, I spent a large part of my career transforming the Financial Times newsroom from print to digital and then went on to set up my own company, iCalami, to help other media companies round the world to change their operations to drive revenue and growth.

I focus on change management, audience and content strategies to acquire, engage and retain diverse audiences and build online communities. Shortly after setting up my business in 2021, I joined the National Liberal Club not only to have a work base in central London but also as a place to meet old friends and make new ones.

A former executive editor at the FT, I joined the Marketing and Communications Committee to help with attracting and retaining members. My career experience also inspired me to write the business education book Going Digital: What it takes for smoother transformations. With my skills and background, I will aim to add value by helping the Club develop its digital strategy.

In my spare time, I enjoy mountain biking, fringe theatre and long walks.

(Lyndsey joined the Club in 2022 and became a Director in 2023)

Gordon Lishman CBE FRSA

Until my retirement, I was the Director General of Age Concern (now merged into Age UK) and Chief Executive of the Age Concern Group. My experience is in the fields of organisational leadership, in employment and in governance as well as campaigning and influencing.

I am a Burnley Borough Councillor, an elected member of the NLC General Committee, Treasurer of the Social Liberal Forum, and Secretary of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates Association.

As a Director of the NLC Board, I sit on its Staffing Group and also chair the Board’s Governance Group which oversees risk management for the Club. We are also reviewing with the General Committee’s Rules Revision Working Group the future relationship between the Board and the Club.

I have held many senior roles in the Liberals and Liberal Democrats over nearly 60 years and have been a Parliamentary candidate seven times and a European Parliament candidate twice.

With three children and five grandchildren, I take delight in organising family holidays for groups of 13.

(Gordon joined the Club in 1978 and has been a Director since 2018).

Tim Herrington

I have practised in the law for 48 years, latterly as a senior judge of the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery ) Chamber. I retired from my salaried position last year but am still sitting in retirement both in the UK and in the Financial Markets Tribunal in Dubai.

I am active in Club affairs, including acting until recently as Deputy Initial Complaints Coordinator. I was elected Vice-Chair of the NLC in May this year.

My interests include cricket, fine food and wine, history and the theatre, all of which can be enjoyed through my membership of the Club. I joined nearly 20 years ago and am a life member jointly with my wife.

(Tim has been a member of the NLC since 2005 and was first elected to the Members’ Council in 2024, becoming Club Vice-Chair a few weeks later.)

Phil Reeves

I sit on the Board in my role as Treasurer of the Club, and chair the Board’s Finance Group, which has a key role: reviewing management accounts, supervising cashflow, assessing how the Company’s investments are performing and liaising with the Company’s auditors to produce the annual accounts.

Having qualified as a barrister, I went into tax advisory work where I was persuaded (perhaps unwisely) to take the chartered accountancy exams, which I passed but not without significant effort.

After 30 years in the tax profession, I semi-retired to work on one main client and am also Treasurer of The Cricket Society, which aims to promote cricket in all its spheres – playing, watching, listening and reading.

A member of the NLC for nearly 35 years, I am currently also Vice-Chair of the Beer, Wine & Spirits Committee.

When not busy with my duties for Club and Board or other work, I travel the world playing golf, watching cricket and trying to reduce my golf handicap – this is a work in progress.

(Phil joined the Club in 1987 and has been a Director since 2018)

Paul Vesper

My family roots are in the Midlands but I moved to London at 18 to launch my hospitality career as a management trainee with a major hotels group. Since then my varied career has taken me around the globe with periods working in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Much of my professional life was spent building and developing a major hospitality business, the Smart Group Ltd, and I masterminded the Olympic Hospitality Centre for the 2012 Games in London. I’ve led teams that delivered major events including the Chelsea Flower Show, Ryder Cup golf, Henley Regatta, Farnborough and Paris Air Shows, Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, Euro 96 soccer, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and the Australian Open tennis.

Mentoring has been and remains a huge passion, and I am gratified that many of my protégés have gone on to achieve great success.

I love all sports, both spectating and partaking – where I remain fiercely competitive. Live music is another passion – rock, country, modern and dance. Travelling, dining out and exercise fill my remaining spare time.

I am greatly looking forward to working with both the staff and members of the NLC and sharing my wide-ranging experience to help drive up standards, enhance members’ experience and develop the Club’s considerable potential to attract new business.

Nick da Costa

I’m delighted to be joining the Board. A little bit about me; my career has generally been focused on the arenas of healthcare, hospitality and the events industries. I am co-founder of a consultancy which specialises in developing domestic and international healthcare projects. I was formerly Head of International Business Development at a leading private hospital, the London Clinic, and Head of Conference Services at The Royal Society.

I also chair the company which operates events and catering at Alexandra Palace & Park in north London, the largest independent events venue in the city; home to the historic Ally Pally Fireworks, and hosting the annual Darts Events.

I am a local Liberal Democrat Councillor in Haringey and a member of the party’s governing body. I also chair the Lib Dems’ Conference Committee and am delighted that the NLC has such an increasingly-visible presence at the party conference.

As to my background; my mother’s family is Austrian and my father’s family is of British-Jamaican-Portuguese heritage. I’ve lived in the U.K. since 1999, having grown up in Austria.

I’m hugely passionate about good food, and am regularly cooking fundraising dinners on behalf of the Liberal Democrats. My aim will be to work with the rest of the team on the Board on growing the Club.

(Nick joined the Club in 2021 and became a Director in 2023)

Dinesh Dhamija

Born in Australia as the son of an Indian diplomat, we travelled widely and so I grew up in India, Mauritius, Afghanistan, Czechoslovakia and the Netherlands, before moving to the UK in the 1960s. I read Law at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and am now one of the college’s Fellow Benefactors.

I have been an entrepreneur most of my life and founded the first fully internet travel company in Europe, ebookers.com in 1999. Sales topped $1 billion in just five years, with 2,000 employees in 12 countries.

After selling the company I have devoted my time to politics, charity work and a new business in green energy. I am a former Lib Dem MEP for London and have spent a decade in the NGO and charity world, creating charitable foundations to provide education and healthcare to underserved communities in India and the UK. I have been a trustee of several charities including the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Scope and LEPRA – fighting the curable disease of leprosy.

I wrote my autobiography – Book It!  – during Covid, describing how I became a successful entrepreneur and my second book, The Indian Century, should be out soon. I live in Surrey with my wife, Tani, close to our two sons and granddaughter.

(Dinesh joined the Club in 2018 and became a Director in 2023)

Tim Layton

My career has been in catering management, and I was recently invited to join the Board to oversee improvements to the Club’s catering operation. My goal is to help make the cuisine at the NLC among the best on offer at any London Club. I am a member of the Club’s Catering Liaison Group and also of the Space Utilisation Group.

I love food and am fascinated by the dynamics of catering – the teamwork involved in producing the best. I have managed catering for Birkbeck College, London and Bath University, worked with multiple retail food outlets and coffee shops, and spent time running events management for major football clubs including Chelsea and Tottenham. Interesting times working with the WAGs!

Outside work, I’m involved with several charities, promoting positive links with Commonwealth countries, and also the Chain of Hope, which treats children from war-torn countries suffering from heart disease.

A former chorister at Salisbury Cathedral and the BBC Symphony Chorus, I enjoy all sorts of music, and support the Cathedral Music Trust – which sponsors choirs in need of financial help. I also love travelling, historic sites, walking, and photography.

(Tim joined the Club in 2017 and has been a Director since 2021)

Emma Moore

A senior criminologist and human rights advocate with more than 15 years’ experience, I have managed more than 500 people and multiple programmes. I’ve worked with Ofgem, the gas and electricity regulator, on ways to improve how it operates.

The key skills I hope to bring to the Board as a recently-appointed Director are a keen understanding of governance and risk. A long-term driver of change in the civil service, I pride myself on an ability to introduce change to older institutions, while retaining core functions.

At the NLC, I founded and chair the Club’s Sustainability Forum, am its representative to the Gold Alliance (Under 40s European Interclub network), One Young World Ambassador, and an Executive MBA candidate. I’m passionate about reaching the Sustainable Development Goals, and making the Club more successful by working towards increased diversity and inclusivity.

Among my other interests are sustainable fashion, ballroom dancing and cocktail making.

(Emma joined the Club in 2019 and became a Director in 2022)

Nadia Montasser

Originally from Egypt, I have lived in London for more than a decade and consider it home. With degrees in Charity Management and Economics, I have nearly two decades of experience in project management, social media & website management, and events coordination.

I sit on the Board of NLC Ltd and the Club’s Marketing and Communications Committee. The Oscar Wilde Society meets at the Club and, as a committee member, I launched their website and social media channels.

My priority on the Members’ Council will be to work on achieving better communication, leadership, and team working after the manifest divisions and suspicions of recent months. We need to reach out and embrace the views and concerns of all Club members.

I was one of the early animal rights activists in Egypt, managing successful regional campaigns and protests with local and international animal rights organisations, often against entrenched opposition.

(Nadia joined the Club in 2018 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2022)

Gordon Lishman CBE FRSA

Until my retirement, I was the Director General of Age Concern (now merged into Age UK) and Chief Executive of the Age Concern Group. My experience is in the fields of organisational leadership, in employment and in governance as well as campaigning and influencing.

I am a Burnley Borough Councillor, an elected member of the NLC General Committee, Treasurer of the Social Liberal Forum, and Secretary of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates Association.

As a Director of the NLC Board, I sit on its Staffing Group and also chair the Board’s Governance Group which oversees risk management for the Club. We are also reviewing with the General Committee’s Rules Revision Working Group the future relationship between the Board and the Club.

I have held many senior roles in the Liberals and Liberal Democrats over nearly 60 years and have been a Parliamentary candidate seven times and a European Parliament candidate twice.

With three children and five grandchildren, I take delight in organising family holidays for groups of 13.

(Gordon joined the Club in 1978 and has been a Director since 2018).

Tim Herrington

I have practised in the law for 48 years, latterly as a senior judge of the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery ) Chamber. I retired from my salaried position last year but am still sitting in retirement both in the UK and in the Financial Markets Tribunal in Dubai.

I am active in Club affairs, including acting until recently as Deputy Initial Complaints Coordinator. I was elected Vice-Chair of the NLC in May this year.

My interests include cricket, fine food and wine, history and the theatre, all of which can be enjoyed through my membership of the Club. I joined nearly 20 years ago and am a life member jointly with my wife.

(Tim has been a member of the NLC since 2005 and was first elected to the Members’ Council in 2024, becoming Club Vice-Chair a few weeks later.)

Paul Vesper

My family roots are in the Midlands but I moved to London at 18 to launch my hospitality career as a management trainee with a major hotels group. Since then my varied career has taken me around the globe with periods working in Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

Much of my professional life was spent building and developing a major hospitality business, the Smart Group Ltd, and I masterminded the Olympic Hospitality Centre for the 2012 Games in London. I’ve led teams that delivered major events including the Chelsea Flower Show, Ryder Cup golf, Henley Regatta, Farnborough and Paris Air Shows, Buckingham Palace Garden Parties, Euro 96 soccer, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and the Australian Open tennis.

Mentoring has been and remains a huge passion, and I am gratified that many of my protégés have gone on to achieve great success.

I love all sports, both spectating and partaking – where I remain fiercely competitive. Live music is another passion – rock, country, modern and dance. Travelling, dining out and exercise fill my remaining spare time.

I am greatly looking forward to working with both the staff and members of the NLC and sharing my wide-ranging experience to help drive up standards, enhance members’ experience and develop the Club’s considerable potential to attract new business.

Phil Reeves

I qualified as a barrister and went into tax advisory work when I was persuaded (perhaps unwisely) to take the chartered accountancy exams, which I passed but not without significant effort. After 30 years in the tax profession, I semi-retired to work on one main client and am also Treasurer of The Cricket Society, which aims to promote cricket in all its spheres – playing, watching, listening and reading.

A member of the NLC for nearly 35 years, I am currently the Club Treasurer, former Vice-Chair of the Beer, Wine & Spirits Committee, and a Board member of NLC Ltd. When not doing this and other work, I travel the world playing golf, watching cricket and trying to reduce my golf handicap – this is a work in progress.

(Phil joined the Club in 1987)

Charles Gillett

I am a non-political member of the Club and joined specifically to contribute to the preservation of the NLC and, in particular, the building it occupies. Appointed as our Archivist in 2020, I am now responsible for conserving the Club’s archives (which stretch back to its formation in 1882), adding to the collection and making these archives available to legitimate researchers and – through occasional articles in the Club’s magazine – to the membership as well.

A contentedly-retired Lloyd’s insurance broker, I specialised for 20 of my 45 working years in international construction projects. Since joining the Club, I have tried to be as active a member as I can to help ensure it continues to flourish.

(Charles joined the Club in 2014)

Chris Hallworth

As the Club’s new Art Curator I’m responsible for our collection of paintings, on behalf of the Trustees. Ensuring these are kept in good condition, displayed to best advantage and represent the NLC’s rich Liberal history are all part of the brief.

I studied English Literature and Classical Art at Trinity College, Dublin, where I developed a great interest in the Renaissance and Neo-Classicism. Art remains a vital part of my life although I now work in a very different field, including IT project management and website technology.

Outside work, I support the NLC Irish Circle and am a passionate follower of horse racing, as well as having broad interests in the arts, politics and military history. For me the Club provides an unparalleled opportunity to make friends or connections and I was especially pleased to organise in 2021 a picnic for members in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

(Chris joined the Club in 2019 and was appointed Art Curator in 2022)

Derek McAuley

I have been a political member of the Club for nearly a decade now and was appointed as the NLC Honorary Librarian this year. The Club’s specialist Library, covering Liberal philosophy, history and politics, forms a unique resource and complements the marvellous physical heritage of the building and its art collection. We also provide a varied book collection for Members in the Smoking Room, such as reference books, biographies and satire.

My professional background is in healthcare and charity management and before retiring I was Chief Officer of the Unitarian Churches in Great Britain. I am active as chair of several charities, including The McDougall Trust, which aims to advance knowledge of democracy by publishing a well-regarded journal, Representation, among other activities.

I studied Politics and Economics at university followed by an MA in public administration and have an interest in the history of English and Irish Religious Dissent, especially its relationship with Liberal politics.

Libraries are not disappearing despite so much material being available online. I believe that a specialist Library like ours still has a contribution to make to supporting a healthy intellectual life in the NLC.

(Derek joined the Club in 2015 and was appointed our Honorary Librarian in 2024.)

Sir Stuart Etherington

I am a lifelong Liberal supporter and have been a member of the NLC since 2015. After attending a secondary modern school I gained a first degree in Politics, two Masters’ degrees, and an MBA at the London Business School.

My career began as a social worker before many years spent in the charity sector: firstly running a mental health charity, then the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and finally, for 25 years, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. Made up of more than 15,000 separate charities, the NCVO represents their interests externally and provides services to improve their performance.

I retired from full-time work in 2020 and have since taken on the voluntary role of chairing various organisations. These include the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, where I live, the National Centre for Social Research and the Oversight Trust — which oversees the distribution of unclaimed assets from banks and other financial institutions to support young people and social investment.

I am honoured to take over as Chair of the Board of National Liberal Club Ltd, a critical part of our vibrant Club. I’m pledged to get us to break-even point financially in my three years of office. We have a very able leadership team and I plan to focus on greater room utilisation, improved digital marketing, and offering Club members new profitable services.

In my spare time I enjoy watching Surrey County Cricket Club and soccer at Charlton Athletic. I combine this with further academic work at the Open University in Philosophy and Classical Studies.

(Sir Stuart joined the Club in 2015 and became Chair of the Board in January 2025.)

Robert Hammond

I retired extremely early from a career in the Civil Service, mostly serving in or around Whitehall, in 2021 and now have a range of interesting roles, including serving as an ‘Independent Person’ on Southend-on-Sea City Council’s Standards Committee.
I had joined the NLC in 2010 and served on the General Committee — now renamed the Members’ Council — and the Beer, Wine and Spirits (BWS) Committee from 2013 to 2022, chairing the latter for three years.

Having developed an interest in wines from watching Oz Clarke and Jilly Goulden on TV’s ‘Food and Drink’, it’s been fascinating learning more. I now hold the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma and have been able to share some of that passion by running occasional wine tastings and tours. One reason for choosing the NLC over other clubs came the first time I dined here: after enjoying a splendid Albariño with a Galician fish stew, I realised this was the place for me.

I’m delighted to have been re-elected to the Members’ Council and to the Beer, Wine and Spirits Committee — which I find myself chairing once again. I now also serve on the Catering Committee.

I’m an elected member of the Church of England General Synod and currently Chair its Business Committee as well as being a Lay Canon of Chelmsford Cathedral.

(Robert joined the NLC in 2010 and was re-elected to the Members’ Council in 2025)

Robert Orchard

Hello, I’m a freelance political journalist, lecturer and copy editor, based in Cardiff and London, writing occasionally for Parliament’s own magazine, The House, among others. The son of a Devon farmer and Welsh nurse, I trained as a teacher after university before entering journalism in Cardiff, moving later to Westminster via Brussels and Strasbourg.

After 25 eventful years as a BBC Political and then Parliamentary Correspondent, I became a very mature MA student at King’s College London – decades after my 1st degree. I also rejoined the Club and was part of the working group that successfully recommended liberalising the dress code, though there is still more to do. I now sit on the Membership Cttee.

Outside work, I have long enjoyed acting and producing – latterly with Tower Theatre in London and my own company, Moonlight Theatre, which toured Under Milk Wood to Malta in 2019. I am also a charity trustee for Homeopathy UK.

(Robert joined the Club in 1984 and 2013 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2018).

Harley Ludlow (they/them)

Moving from my home in Belfast to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Goldsmiths College in London was no easy feat but, since joining the NLC four years ago, I’ve become enthralled with the diversity, character and welcoming atmosphere of the Club – and can say from the heart that I have found a real home here.

As a supporter and campaigner for the Liberal Democrats I was drawn to the NLC by its history. The Club has a longstanding record of being at the forefront of diversity and I am a regular at the LGBTQ+ Forum’s monthly socials held every month.

As probably the youngest person on the Members’ Council, I want to represent and strengthen the voice of the 20% of younger Club members and I look forward to providing a fresh set of ideas to foster a better deal for us!

In my professional life, I work in sales as a partner with Utility Warehouse, a company that helps people save money on their everyday utilities.

(Harley joined the Club in 2019 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2022)

Kate Birch

I was recently elected to chair the Membership Committee and also sit on the Club’s Marketing & Communications Committee. I also co-chair the Literary Circle and am on the NLC’s Diversity and Art Collection Working Groups. I publish inksweatandtears.co.uk – an online poetry and prose magazine with a small print section which has seen several pamphlets shortlisted for major poetry awards.

I sit on the board of Poetry School, described as the UK’s largest provider of poetry education and ‘inspiring tuition’, and also support small-scale theatre productions, poetry scholarships and projects.

Am currently working with writer development agency Spread the Word and academics from Glasgow University on the Runaways Project, which involves creative responses from Black and South Asian writers and artists to adverts published in London in the Restoration period to help trace runaway slaves. Few are even aware that slavery was practised in the UK.

(Kate joined the Club in 2008 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2018)

Derek McAuley

I have been a political member of the Club for nearly a decade now and was appointed as the NLC Honorary Librarian this year. The Club’s specialist Library, covering Liberal philosophy, history and politics, forms a unique resource and complements the marvellous physical heritage of the building and its art collection. We also provide a varied book collection for Members in the Smoking Room, such as reference books, biographies and satire.

My professional background is in healthcare and charity management and before retiring I was Chief Officer of the Unitarian Churches in Great Britain. I am active as chair of several charities, including The McDougall Trust, which aims to advance knowledge of democracy by publishing a well-regarded journal, Representation, among other activities.

I studied Politics and Economics at university followed by an MA in public administration and have an interest in the history of English and Irish Religious Dissent, especially its relationship with Liberal politics.

Libraries are not disappearing despite so much material being available online. I believe that a specialist Library like ours still has a contribution to make to supporting a healthy intellectual life in the NLC.

(Derek joined the Club in 2015 and was appointed our Honorary Librarian in 2024.)

Tim Layton

I have run my own catering business, and provided food and hospitality for the BBC, well-known universities and top football clubs. I already serve on our Board of Directors, seeking to help ensure the cuisine at the NLC, a crucial area of Club life, is among the best in Clubland.

I’d like to see more openness and transparency in the way our Club functions, and I hope we can foster stronger links between the Members’ Council and the Board… working more closely together to keep the club afloat and restore the NLC to profitability.

I love music and am a former chorister at Salisbury Cathedral and the BBC Symphony Chorus. I’m an active member of our musical partners, the Kettner Society, which stages memorable concerts at our Club. I’ve organised some of these
and would love us to offer a wider range of musical events – from classical to jazz and beyond. Suggestions, please!

(Tim joined the Club in 2017 and the Members’s Council in June 2022)

Elizabeth Crowther-Hunt LVO

I enjoy political discussion, networking and fine dining – all on offer at our Club, which I came to join thanks to meeting an NLC member at a networking event.

Such events and opportunities to network – to meet and develop contacts – are a major focus both at the Club and also at Westminster Business Council, where I am CEO. There we provide connections and intelligence to help London businesses
grow, and introduce employers and students for career opportunities. In 2019 we ran our inaugural Business Awards Ceremony at the Club, where I also chair the Business Forum.

My career has involved influencing government policy and pioneering innovative projects in deprived areas. I led the development of the national Prince’s Trust Team programme to help unemployed young people build their confidence and find work.

(Elizabeth joined the Club in 2016 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in in 2018)

Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett (they/them)

I joined the Club as a political member in 2017, having been a regular visitor for more than 12 years. In 2018, I founded the Club’s LGBTQ+ Forum with a dedicated committee and represent an essential part of NLC’s motto of being London’s most “inclusive” and “diverse” club.

I moved up from Vice-Chair of the Club’s Membership Committee to become Chair in January 2023 on Karin Rehacek’s appointment as Chair of the Club following the resignation of Tim McNally, and stepped back from the Chair in May this year.

Currently, I work for a not-for-profit organisation, The Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (ENEI), as their Global Relationship Manager. In 2015 I stood, as the first openly HIV+ parliamentary candidate in Vauxhall, and then in Ipswich at the 2017 & 2019 elections.

Previously, I have chaired LGBT+ Liberal Democrats and, since 2018, I’ve chaired Liberal International British Group, part of Liberal International – which is also based at the Club.

(Adrian joined the Club in 2017 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2020.)

Janet Berridge

Birmingham-born, I’m a committed European now living in Berlin and working with my husband, Michael, as a freelance translator to the music business. A General Committee member from 2007 – 2019, I also served on the General Purposes and Membership Committees, and initiated the Literary and German Circles. I introduced the first German reciprocal clubs, supported participation in “Open House weekend”, hosted LibDem receptions at the Club, and championed many recently-established NLC Forums.

I was a prison visitor, Witness Service volunteer – supporting witnesses at court, and a charity worker in Canterbury. I was active in LibDem politics – first in Canterbury from 2000, then in Bromley until 2018 – and am now an active member of the (reciprocal) International Club, Berlin. My interests: music, literature, handcrafts, swimming.

(Janet joined the Club in 2004 and was Chair between 2016–2018; she is now a Vice-President and an elected, voting Council member).

Terence Gleed Richards

I joined the Club more than 50 years ago and have served as its Chairman, as a Director of National Liberal Club Ltd, Trustee and Chairman of Club Trustees, as well as chairing the Membership Committee.

I was a Liberal Parliamentary Candidate in 1974 and 1979. My interests include travel, opera, music and the arts, politics and gardening.

(Terence joined the Club in 1967 and was Chair between 1991 – 1993)

The Revd Paul Hunt MA

I joined the Liberal Party in 1974 and the Club in the 1990s. I was first elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2000 and served as Club Chair and then Chair of National Liberal Club Ltd.

Ordained in 1992, my clerical posts included chaplaincies at Mill Hill School and Emanuel School, and I also served as a Priest-in-Ordinary to HM the Queen, taking services at the Chapels Royal. I was recently coaxed out of retirement to become priest-in-charge of Hastings Old Town.

(Paul joined the Club in 1992 and was Chair between 2007 – 2010)

Michael Meadowcroft

Served as the Club’s Librarian and its Archivist, and also sat on the Wine Committee for many years. After joining the Liberal party in 1958, I held various party positions and was elected to Leeds City Council in the first Liberal success in the city for 30 years.

Was elected as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Leeds West from 1983 – 1987, and is an Honorary Alderman of the City of Leeds. Over some 25 years, I have led or been a member of more than 50 electoral assistance missions – providing advice and practical assistance to 35 new and emerging democracies on four continents.

In recent years, my traditional jazz band has provided the music for the Club’s summer party. I write and lecture on Leeds political history – and contribute articles and obituaries for the Club magazine.

(Michael joined the Club in 1962 and rejoined in 1983)

Jamie Sharpley

An NLC member for two decades, I have chaired both the Club’s Membership Committee and, from 2020-22, the Board of National Liberal Club Ltd, which manages all the day-to-day operations of the Club, runs its various services and also employs all the staff.

After graduating from London University in Sociology, I joined the NHS management training scheme and went on to run clinical and other services in a number of major hospitals mainly in London. I also worked as a tutor for the healthcare thinktank, The King’s Fund. Board- level experience has included voluntary (non-executive) directorships in
housing, social care and the arts.

For the Liberal Democrats, I was President of the South East England region for six years and my wife, Rosie — a former LibDem mayor of Woking and retired nurse — is also a Club member and a constant support. For relaxation I am a keen gardener and dog walker — both offer space to ponder Club matters too!

(Jamie joined the Club in 2002 and was Chair of NLC Ltd from 2020–2022.)

Angela Style

Originally from Sussex, I finished my education at the Lycée Français de Londres and became a secretary working initially in PR, then for the BBC and for CBS. Moving to Worcestershire with my family, I became a councillor and eventually the WRVS County Organiser… running ‘Meals on Wheels’ for the whole of Hereford & Worcester.

I helped initiate a victim support scheme which was adopted nationally. After my husband died, I qualified as a probation officer, and became a councillor for Barnes — helping create a 100 acre Wetlands with advice from Sir Peter Scott. In the NLC, I chaired the General Purposes Committee, launching the first Chinese New Year celebration and then Diwali. I now chair the Wednesday Lunch Circle.

(Angela joined the Club in 2000)

Sally Agass

I am a serial entrepreneur, having started nine businesses throughout my career. I currently still have two, one managing my commercial and domestic property portfolio and the other using my degree in Economics and Business to provide economic development advice to the public sector.  I may be the only MC member to have held an HGV licence to drive a lorry, from my days running a haulage company.

Business has given me skills in strategic finance, governance, business planning, auditing, etc. It is these skills that I hope to bring to the Members’ Council and to the Board, to which I have been elected as one of the Council’s three ex officio Directors to represent the Club membership.

I was born lucky and am blessed with six children who are all grown up now and 10 grandchildren, so my world is never boring.   But I squeeze in my interests in military history, concerts, literature and sport including yoga, cricket, tennis and boxing.

I recently rejoined the NLC and now plan to enjoy our wonderful Club and play my part in its future.

(Sally rejoined the NLC in 2023 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2025)

Janet Berridge

Birmingham-born, I’m a committed European now living in Berlin and working with my husband, Michael, as a freelance translator to the music business. A General Committee member from 2007 – 2019, I also served on the General Purposes and Membership Committees, and initiated the Literary and German Circles. I introduced the first German reciprocal clubs, supported participation in “Open House weekend”, hosted LibDem receptions at the Club, and championed many recently-established NLC Forums.

I was a prison visitor, Witness Service volunteer – supporting witnesses at court, and a charity worker in Canterbury. I was active in LibDem politics – first in Canterbury from 2000, then in Bromley until 2018 – and am now an active member of the (reciprocal) International Club, Berlin. My interests: music, literature, handcrafts, swimming.

(Janet joined the Club in 2004 and was Chair between 2016–2018; she is now a Vice-President and an elected, voting Council member).

Nick Doherty

I have always enjoyed the Club and so, after some 30 years as a member, I decided to stand for election to the Members Council.

Now, as Chair of the NLC Shooting Club, I am involved in our social activities and am keen to further develop the social life of the whole Club. We have a diverse membership and a wide range of activities, and I welcome views on how the Club can be further improved. I also sit on the Club’s Membership Committee.

My day job is as a barrister specialising in crime and firearms licensing law. I am a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Gunmakers Company.

(Nick joined the Club in 1987 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in in 2018)

David de Freitas

The vast range of events and activities available at the NLC is something I relish, especially the many high-quality musical concerts staged at the Club. I also greatly value the cultural diversity of our growing membership.

I am honoured to lead the team who assess how we deal with complaints between members, where my aim will always be to seek mediation and conciliation as the preferred way of resolving disputes.Those duties preclude me seeking any prominent public role in Club life but I will certainly have no qualms about making my voice heard in the Members’ Council and will speak up to protect the crucial independence of our complaints process.

The ability to dance is something I have always admired. I took up latin and ballroom dancing some years ago and would love to develop a ‘Strictly’ Circle at the Club: we certainly have the elegant spaces for it!

(David joined the Club in 2016 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2023)

Peter Hofford

I have been a member of the NLC since 1977 after I left university and was about to begin my law studies. I then practised as a barrister at the Criminal Bar for more than 30 years.

In the 1990’s I chaired the Bexley Civic Society and was a member of the Bexley Heritage Trust. After retiring in 2012 I had more time and opportunity to make contacts and friendships within the Club. I also later qualified as a City of London Guide.

I am a member of the Liberal Democrats and have campaigned for the party both as an activist and a candidate for my local council in the 1980s and 90s. As such, I value highly the Liberal and liberal traditions of the Club and cherish our unique history.

I look forward to helping secure its future as a key part of the of the Liberal revival so happily evidenced by the results of the most recent General Election.

(Peter joined the Club in 1977 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2024.)

Nick Hopkinson

During a career lasting more than two decades at Wilton Park, the policy forum of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, I progressed to the post of Director and pioneered and chaired high-level seminars in 25 countries, as well as writing or editing nearly 500 reports.

I have had articles published in various academic journals and the media on the European Union, democracy and the world economy. I have also had five books published including Parliamentary democracy: is there a perfect model? The latest, The Policies and Power of Public Diplomacy, was published recently by Routledge.

Since my retirement, I have been active with the Liberal Democrats as a candidate in local elections and have also chaired the Liberal Democrat European Group (LDEG) in my time. I’m a Political member of the NLC and am Vice Chair of the Club’s European Forum.

Outside work, my main preoccupation these days is helping to bring up two young grandsons. To relax, I enjoy travelling to new places, to add to the tally of more than 80 countries visited so far.

(Nick joined the NLC in 2015 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2025)

Amber Inman

Hailing from Colchester in Essex, I graduated from King’s College, London in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After a love affair with coding, I now work at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a data analyst and supervisor.

Since late 2024, I have co-chaired the Club’s Younger Members’ Group with Thomas Parfitt. I am a passionate advocate for young people and hope to amplify their voice on the Members’ Council. I sit on two of the Club’s committees: Catering and also Events & Activities, as well as acting as the NLC’s InterClub representative — which brings together the young members of more than a dozen London clubs for regular ticketed events.

In my free time, I am an opera, theatre and live music enthusiast, often to be found swanning around Covent Garden attending shows. I am also fond of long walks and city breaks across the continent.

(Amber joined the NLC in 2023 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2025)

David Leakey

I read law at Cambridge and intended to qualify professionally at the Bar after a break from legal studies. Somehow the intended break of three years in the Army extended to 39 years, and I retired as a General after a varied career including senior appointments in the Ministry of Defence, commanding British and international forces on operations in various theatres, and secondment to the EU Council Secretariat running the EU’s military and civilian operations.

I then spent seven years as Black Rod in Parliament – best known for ceremonial roles, silk stockings and banging on the door of the House of Commons – but better described as the Palace of Westminster’s Chief Operations Officer. I now undertake consultancy work for a range of companies from chemicals to IT.

My passions are music and sport. I have been Chairman of the National Children’s Orchestras of GB, and sit on numerous musical, military and sporting Trusts and Boards including recently chairing a group of schools in Dorset. I sing in choral groups, play the piano very privately, keep fit and play tennis, squash and golf.

I am politically non-partisan and hope, as a Life member, to contribute some common sense, good nature and integrity to the atmosphere and governance of the NLC.

(David joined the Club in 2023 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2024.)

Nahuel Marisi

I am a freelance software engineer working mainly on mobile apps and web development. I grew up in Argentina before moving to the UK to study History at the University of York and later Computer Science at UCL. I’ve previously lived in London for 10 years and travel there frequently to visit family, friends and, of course, the Club.

I sit on the Membership and the Marketing and Communications Committees and am joint Vice Chair of the latter. I’ve also been a regular contributor to the Reciprocal Clubs Working Group, signing up suitable clubs mainly in Latin America and Spain.

I hope to work on achieving more personalised feedback from members and strongly believe that leads to better decisions. Members’ thoughts and experiences are crucial in understanding what works and what can be improved.

I currently live in picturesque Stockholm with my partner Emma and two sons.

(Nahuel joined the Club in 2017 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2022)

Sheila McGuirk

After a degree from the LSE and a Masters in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard, I lived in Iran and Egypt working on an English language newspaper and teaching English. The years from 1974 to 1983 were spent in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where I went with my husband, Russell, who is also a Club member. Back in London I worked at Citibank till early retirement more than 20 years ago.

Many months of the year were then spent at an old farmhouse shared with family members in the Drome region of southern France, now sold… which leaves more time for London pursuits including concert and theatre outings. I also became involved in campaigning locally for the Liberal Democrats, serving until recently on the Kensington and Chelsea local party’s Executive Committee.

We have two sons and three beautiful grand-daughters, and Russell and I still walk regularly on pilgrim paths across Europe, well-known as Caminos.

(Sheila joined the Club in 2017 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2023.)

Nadia Montasser

Originally from Egypt, I have lived in London for more than a decade and consider it home. With degrees in Charity Management and Economics, I have nearly two decades of experience in project management, social media & website management, and events coordination.

I sit on the Board of NLC Ltd and the Club’s Marketing and Communications Committee. The Oscar Wilde Society meets at the Club and, as a committee member, I launched their website and social media channels.

My priority on the Members’ Council will be to work on achieving better communication, leadership, and team working after the manifest divisions and suspicions of recent months. We need to reach out and embrace the views and concerns of all Club members.

I was one of the early animal rights activists in Egypt, managing successful regional campaigns and protests with local and international animal rights organisations, often against entrenched opposition.

(Nadia joined the Club in 2018 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2022)

Inderjeet Singh Nijhar

I chair the Club’s Political & Economic Circle and am a member of several others. I have been involved in many community and business start-ups since the 1980s, and have had a diverse professional career as one of the youngest CEOs to lead a housing association, and as Executive Director of the homeless charity, Centrepoint.

Elected a councillor in 1994, I worked as a civil servant in the PM’s Strategy Unit on formulating national policy under Tony Blair and the Tory-Lib Dem Coalition. I have also held posts at both Capita and PwC. I chaired the national commemoration, based at the House of Lords, of those from the British ‘Empire’ who fought in both World Wars.

I am a passionate foodie, and a big fan of the Italian home-sourced olive oil now available in our Clubhouse!

(Inderjeet joined the Club in 2017 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2020).

Theo Butt Philip

As well as serving on the Members Council, I am Chair of the Orpington Circle, which commemorates that famous by-election victory, organises the annual Orpington Dinner and raises funds for Liberal Democrat by-election campaigns.

To raise money for NLC members standing as LibDem candidates in the 2019 General Election, I revived and chaired the Club’s election appeal. I stood for Parliament in Bridgwater and West Somerset in 2010 and 2015, and was a member of Wells City Council for eight years (including a year as Mayor). I currently work for South Gloucestershire Council as Political Assistant to the Liberal Democrat opposition group.

I live in Wells with my wife, Belinda (also a Club member), and our two young children.

(Theo joined the Club in 2001 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in in 2017)

Karin Rehacek

A Political and now also a Life member, I joined the Club in 2013 and served as Chair from January 2023 until my nine-year term on the Members’ Council expired in June 2024. After taking a year out, I was re-elected onto the Council this year.

I chair the German Circle and the monthly Wednesday Luncheon Circle.  A founding member of both the Shooting Club (also its Secretary) and the Women’s Network, I also host the monthly Orpington Circle dinners.

For more than three decades I worked in the City and for many years was Head of Human Resources for an Austrian Bank.  I now work for a Croatian start-up and, outside work, am the main carer for my blind 95- year-old mother and for a Lhasa Apso called Teddy, her Hidden Disability Support Dog.

I am a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers.

(Karin joined the NLC in 2013 and was re-elected to the Members’ Council in 2025)

Patrick Ruddick

Hi, I’m Patrick Ruddick. I joined our wonderful club during lockdown in 2021 and have loved being part of the community ever since. I’m proud to serve as Chair of our vibrant LGBTQ+ Circle — it’s a real highlight of my membership.

I’m originally from Belfast but made the move to London in 2001. These days, I live in Putney with my husband Rampai — we got married during lockdown after he moved up from Johannesburg.

For most of my career, I worked at Deloitte, helping government and financial organisations get better at using digital tools. More recently, I’ve gone independent, focusing on helping smaller commercial banks improve their risk management with digital tools.

Outside of work, I chair the residents’ association for Kenilworth Court, a lovely old mansion block in Putney with 150 flats. I’m also passionate about British, Irish and South African current affairs, and when I get the chance, I love painting — mostly landscapes and abstract pieces.

(Patrick joined the NLC in 2021 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2025)

Val Stansfield

I now chair the Club’s Beer, Wines & Spirits Committee, and the Women’s Network. The popular Tuesday and Thursday Tables are something I co-host: these provide an opportunity for members, new and old, to meet together, get to know new people and enjoy the comforts of the Bar and Dining Room just as much or as little as they please.

My work is as an employment rights adviser for a trade union and, in such spare time as I have, I enjoy reading (mainly novels) and knitting.

(Val joined the Club in 2008 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2019.)

Janice Turner

A journalist and campaigner, I am a lifelong member of the party, having been chair of the Young Liberals and the Association of Liberal Democrat Trades Unionists. I am currently vice-chair of the Lib Dem Campaign for Race Equality.

I joined the Club in 1986, serving on the membership committee and wines committee in the ’90s. I have been the Editor of a trade union journal for many years and also the union’s diversity officer. A longstanding pension scheme trustee, I co-founded the Association of Member-Nominated Trustees to campaign in support of Member-Nominated Trustees of pension schemes and for improvements to the pension system.

I am also currently the pianist for the Liberal Democrat party conference Glee Club, accompanying the enthusiastic singing of conference delegates.

Arthur Wu

I have been an active Political Member of the Club since 2020 and chair the NLC’s Jazz Circle, having organised numerous successful jazz concerts, a summer party and other events.

I am also keen to foster a closer working relationship between the Club and the Liberal Democrats and have held many different positions in the party and in the Young Liberals. These include Local Party Executive, English Council Member, Federal Young Liberals Executive and Committee Member.

During the 2024 General Election, I was Campaign Manager leading a successful attempt to win the Newbury parliamentary seat for Lee Dillon MP. Currently, I am the Honorary Vice President of Young Liberals.

(Arthur joined the NLC in 2020 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2024)

Yisha Xue

I worked in the City for 15 years, first as a commodities broker and later in commodity financing. I then started my own consultancy company, dealing in metals and later in property. I’m a Liveryman of the Glaziers Company, and received the Freedom of the City in 2019.

A former trustee of the Islington Chinese Association, I am involved with the Cambridge Music Festival as a patron. I produce the successful concert evenings held at the Club by the Kettner Society, a charity which also hosts monthly lunchtime talks there, and it is my great honour to serve on the Members Council. I look forward to working together with all our members to make the NLC the best club in London.

(Yisha joined the Club in 2018 and was elected to what is now the Members’ Council in 2019).

Alex Youel

A business consultant specialising in everything ‘membership’ I’m now mostly retired but still interested in aspects of tourism and heritage (nearly 30 years’ senior experience with the National Trust), the environment (six years at the Peak District National Park), natural history and bird watching, in particular.

At the NLC, I previously served on the General Committee, chaired the Marketing & Communications Committee, and sat on the Membership and Beer, Wine and Spirits Committees. After a year away from all that, I’m excited to once again be part of the active life of our Club and keen to help it thrive.

Outside Clubland I’m a baritone with Wimbledon Choral, piano accompanist to the Lantern Arts Choir (based in Raynes Park) and a singer/pianist with the Big Heart Band, singing lustily in care homes in Wimbledon and throughout SW London, whether the residents like it or not.… (they usually do, though). I also chair Pentire, the unofficial association for retired former staff of the National Trust.

(Alex joined the Club in 2004, was elected to the General Committee from 2019-22 and to its successor, the Members’ Council, in 2023.)