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Steve was born in 1956 in Dulwich South London, and spent his early years living on Bellingham Council estate in South London. He was educated at Brockley County Grammar School and continues to be a fierce advocate for the Grammar School system. He is proud of the opportunities and mobility that he was given, and wants that ladder of opportunity for all, not just those who can afford it.
Professionally, Steve spent 28 years with Barclays Bank as well as short spells with HSBC and Nat West. He is a qualified IFA and Mortgage Broker, as well as an experienced Bank manager for High Worth Clients, his last appointment being in Sutton and Wallington.
Steve entered politics quite late, and became a Councillor in 2002 for Kenley, Croydon, where he lives. He rose quickly through the party ranks holding various opposition Group positions, and particularly found his spell on the Planning Committee useful as one of Steve’s priorities is the protection of our area, particularly back gardens against over development. Steve particularly treasures the Green Belt and in his own words ‘’Will die in a ditch to protect it’’.
Just before the may 2006 Council Election, Steve became Joint deputy Group Leader, and on victory, became Joint Deputy Leader of the Council. In May 2006 Steve sacrificed his professional career and took up politics full time, as the Conservatives swept to power in Croydon.
Crime Reduction and the safety of our residents has always been an obsession of Steve’s and he held the Deputy cabinet member post prior to May 2006. He then became the Cabinet Member for Safety and Cohesion, and is now appointed as the
Cabinet Member for Performance and Transformation. Steve is only too aware that the number one concern of residents across Croydon and Sutton is their safety and that of their families. The curse of yobbishness and anti social behaviour ruins the quality of life for so many people, and Steve is committed to stamping this out, in his usual no nonsense manner.
Steve has built up a first class working relationship with the Police, but is the first person to challenge them when he feels that they are not delivering. This is a stance that he adopts across both Boroughs as the GLA Member. He is working with local businesses and the London Mayor to promote regeneration in Croydon and to improve business links across Croydon and Sutton.
He is a member of Rams Army (Supporters Club of Croydon Athletic FC) and a keen Crystal Palace FC Supporter.