I am 52 years old and have been a member of BASC for almost 36 years. I started work as a YTS trainee with the Forestry Commission, then moved on to gamekeeping and after a few years retrained as an arborist, running my own tree surgery business. I joined the police service at 27 and I have a business interest that allows me to run my own pest control company when I eventually retire from the police.

For the last five years, I have had the honour of serving on the BASC Council. At times this was entertaining, difficult and rewarding. Meetings can be long and lively as we don’t all see eye to eye. I truly believe that the decisions made over the last five years will help keep us all shooting in the future. During my time on the council, I became chair of the stalking committee which deals with everything deer and boar related. I enjoyed this role as stalking has become my real passion.

I was brought up in the urban West Midlands and through scouting and friends, I was introduced to lurchers, ferrets, progressing to air rifles. At 16, I acquired my shotgun certificate and purchased my first shotgun and later a FAC and first rifle. Over time I have been fortunate to have shot most disciplines and species, from vermin and pests to partridge, pheasant and, by invitation, even grouse which is still a very clear memory.

Throughout my life, I have prided myself on honesty, fairness, and standing up for what is right. I have a proven record of good communication skills, I have shown that I can investigate, research, analyse information and work to schedules. I firmly believe in the BASC vision, mission and strategy and I have and will continue to work toward those outcomes if re-elected. However, I do not just sit and nod at the council. I question the papers and information that are provided to us for decision-making. I am also not afraid in taking the fight to our enemies in person or on social media. There are many who wish to see the end of shooting, field sports and our way of life.