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.)
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.)
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.)
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.
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.)
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.)
