I have been a solicitor for over 40 years, nearly all of which I have spent as a government lawyer across a huge range of work. I have conducted major litigation - from ‘Spycatcher’ to proceedings against the directors following the collapse of Barings Bank - and I have represented numerous ministers at major public inquiries including inquiries into BCCI, ‘Arms to Iraq’, and BSE.
I have extensive experience of judicial review and of public and regulatory law. As a member of the Senior Civil Service, I was legal adviser to the (then) Monopolies and Mergers Commission and have also advised the Competition Commission.
For the past 14 years, I have specialised in commercial matters, advising on commercial contracts and public procurement, and advising project/programme boards on large projects at (what is now) the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and at the Ministry of Justice.
Since 2015, I have had roles as a District and County Councillor, and I am Chairman of the County’s Pension Fund. These roles have given me wide experience in local government law and administration, and in pensions law and governance.
At home, I care for rescue dogs and horses, and enjoy everything equine from hacking to flat racing. Apart from riding, I enjoy playing competitively most racquet sports. I have two sons - one is a tax adviser, and the other is a stand-up comedian!