I am a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who arrived in Salisbury over 30 years ago to train how to be a test pilot at the Empire Test Pilots’ School. I spent 10 years at Boscombe Down before spending a further 10 years working for the UK’s aviation regulator – the Civil Aviation Authority. Made redundant 11 years ago I formed my own flight test consultative company and have continued to test fly a wide variety of aircraft ever since. In November 2024 a rare opportunity arose to stand for a vacancy in Salisbury City Council in the ward of St Paul’s – a ward I know well through my time at the parish church and ongoing involvement with the primary school. After 5 months of serving as a city councillor I realise I will be able to serve my community much more effectively as their Wiltshire Councillor and so at the local elections on 1 May I am standing for both. That said I have already kicked off improving numerous road signs, refurbishing and upgrading zebra crossings, sorting out a School Crossing Patrol, finding school drop-off locations for pupils morning and afternoon, and creating two new cycle paths that will allow children to get to the schools, and parents the shops, much more easily. I have demonstrated that I listen carefully to my residents and have been formally opposing the closure of two toilet blocks, especially the Central Car Park Toilets that include a disabled loo and changing facilities. As a Wiltshire Councillor I will listen to my residents, care about their concerns and do my best to resolve their issues without delay.