About Mark

Mark is married to Tracy and they have lived in the village of Grandborough, close to Rugby, for 17 years.

Mark grew up in Binley Woods and Shilton in a large family with five brothers. He attended Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby and later Reading University where he obtained a degree in Estate Management.

Mark and Tracy have an active involvement at events and functions in Grandborough and particularly enjoy the Wine Appreciation Society! Mark is a retired Old Laurentian Rugby Player and enjoys supporting his sons when they play for school and the Rugby Lions. He watches England at Twickenham whenever a ticket is going spare!

Mark and Tracy have four children, Victoria, 23, has recently started work in London having graduated in English from Newcastle University. Will, 19, is studying History & Archaeology at Southampton University. Tom, 17, is preparing for his AS level exams. Sara, 10, attends Dunchurch Junior School and will be starting at Rugby High School in September 2009.

Mark tries to keep fit by getting to the gym at Junction 1 Retail Park at least once a week and occasionally running and cycling. Mark and Tracy enjoy their garden and have recently created a woodland area, aiming to replenish some of Warwickshire's traditional tree varieties.

Mark's Experience

Being a councillor...

Mark was elected at Rugby Borough Council for Dunchurch & Knightlow Ward in 2002. Dunchurch & Knightlow is a large rural ward with seven parishes and Mark has been a regular attendee at parish council meetings. With a degree in Estate Management, Mark has a particular interest in land use and planning issues and has served on Planning, Borough Development and Housing Panels and was Portfolio Holder & Cabinet Member for Housing.

Mark retired from his position as a borough councillor in 2007 in order to put all his effort into his role as Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for the new Rugby Constituency.

Nuneaton Parliamentary Campaign 2005...

Mark was selected as the Parliamentary Candidate in nearby Nuneaton in 2004 to fight the general election held in May 2005. Mark worked very hard and received the following endorsement from Nuneaton Association Chairman, John Waine;

"Speaking as one who has campaigned in every general election since 1970, I have no hesitation in saying that it would be difficult to imagine a better candidate than Mark. His level of commitment could not possibly be faulted; not merely during the 3 or 4 weeks of the campaign proper but, more importantly, in the long run-up to it. I have no doubt at all that his dedication and hard work were the major factors in ensuring that the Nuneaton Conservatives achieved a positive swing significantly higher than the national average.

Mark's determination and 'can do' attitude inspired a high degree of loyalty and commitment from the other local activists. As a result, I can say, with confidence, that more groundwork was undertaken than in any previous election campaign (national or local) in the constituency, laying solid foundations upon which we can build for the future."

On election night Labour's majority was slashed from 7,500 to 2,200 with a swing to Conservative of 6.2%.

In Business ...

Mark started his own business, with his brother Mike, in 1982 supplying a range of products to the catering trade. The business occupied four sets of premises in Rugby and grew to a turnover of £4.5 Million employing 30 staff based in Rugby. In mid 2008 the business was acquired by a FTSE100 company.

 Mark says;

"I enjoyed immensely the cut and thrust of business and working hard to ensure that what we created developed steadily over the years. I am now looking to put the experience I gained in my business career to good use as a candidate to represent the people of Rugby and surrounding area in Parliament."