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.)
