| Biography: | David, 32, was first elected to the Isle of Wight Council in May 2005, as the member for Shanklin Central. In June 2009 he was re-elected, this time as the member for Shanklin South, following boundary changes. Since September 2007 he has served as Leader of the Council.
He was born on the Island and grew up in Newport, Lake and Shanklin. He attended local schools: Westmont, Newport CE Primary, Trinity Middle and Sandown High. David studied politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Between 2000 and 2004, David worked at Conservative Central Office in Westminster, as Head of Youth with responsibility for Conservative Future. During this time he represented the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on a number of visits to eastern Europe, leading training sessions for sister parties in developing democracies, including Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia and Macedonia.
David returned to live on the Island full-time in 2004, however has been involved in the local community for many years, in a range of activities. He lives in Shanklin with his wife and young family.
As well as being an IW Councillor, David is also a member of Shanklin Town Council.
Since joining the Council, David served as a Cabinet Secretary between May 2005 and April 2007; Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Leisure until September 2007, and as Council Leader since then. He is also currently the Cabinet Member for Resources.
In June 2009 David led his party to victory in the local elections, winning a majority of seats for the Conservatives. As well as being Council Leader, he is also Leader of the 24-strong IW Council Conservative Group.
Off-Island, David is a member of the Local Government Group's Children & Young People Programme Board and also serves on a Minsterial Advisory Group to Michael Gove on the role of local authorities in education and children's services. |
