Sector: Members' Councillors

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 commonsense, 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.)

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.)

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 Commmittee from 2019-22
and to its successor, the Members’ Council, in 2023.)

My first memories of the NLC are from the 1980s and I have been a member since the 2000s. I’m the founder and CEO of a City public and regulatory affairs consultancy, having begun my career in public policy as a parliamentary adviser to Vince Cable when he was an MP.  Much of my varied career was spent in London until I founded my firm which is now based in Carmarthen.

For those like me, without a fixed base in London, the NLC is a haven and a home from home, with huge opportunities to foster an expanded country membership among the burgeoning remote working community.

A local councillor and campaigner, I’m active in my local community in West Wales, living on the family smallholding in Carmarthenshire with my wife, Genevieve, where I practice the fine Gladstonian tradition of tree-felling and tree planting both to keep fit and keep our home carbon neutral. (Havard rejoined the NLC in 2013 and was elected to the Members’ Council in 2023.)

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)