Public Service History

Served 12 years as a councillor (with a managerial bent)

Peter became a political activist in 1981 when he joined the newly formed Social Democratic Party (SDP). The following year he successfully contested a district council seat in Clarence ward, St Albans, for the SDP/Liberal Alliance. In 1984, he became Council Leader in a minority Alliance administration, serving until 1986 when he did not seek re-election, having gone to live part-time in the USA.

Back in England, in 1991 he won a council seat in the St Albans Marshalswick South ward for the Liberal Democrats, the successor party to the Alliance, where he served until 1999, chairing several Council committees. During this time, he was a leading member of the council's team in the negotiations for local government reorganisation. He also initiated a review of the council's strategy and working methods in conjunction with Warwick Business School.

It seems strange in 2004, but in the early 80s unemployment in St Albans district was becoming a serious issue, especially following the closure of local aerospace companies. With a group of like-minded councillors, Peter founded the St Albans Enterprise Agency to promote and support start-up businesses. He still serves on its board.

Peter contested the Watford parliamentary seat for the Alliance (1983), coming in ahead of Labour but losing to the Conservatives. Following the election, he was recruited as a governor of Bushey Hall, all-ability school, eventually serving three years as Chairman.

Trustee of the Liberal Democrats

Peter was appointed a trustee of the national party in 1987 and served in this capacity for 16 years.