Independent Member (Local Authority)

Richard attended Aberystwyth University reading Law.  In addition to his law degree Richard has two Masters degrees the first in Town & Country Planning, the other Leadership in Public Service. Before the 2017 election Richard was the Wales Policy Officer for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. He has worked in local government as a town planner and dealing with anti social behaviour.  He has also been a Welfare Rights Officer for a local hospice.

Richard been a Torfaen Borough Councillor since May 2004 representing the Croesyceiliog North Ward. In January 2017 he became Deputy Leader of Torfaen Council and has the executive portfolio for Health, Adult Services and Wellbeing. Previously Richard was the Executive Member for Health Social Care and Wellbeing (2013-2017); Executive Member for Corporate Governance and Community Safety (2010-2013) and Executive Member for Regeneration (2008-2010). Richard also serves on the Croesyceiliog & Llanyrafon Community Council and as a Governor at Croesyceiliog’s primary and secondary schools.

In his role as a Councillor Richard has served on a number of boards.  Presently he is a board member on the Gwent Frailty Joint Committee;  Bron Afon Community Housing and the Local Government Data Unit. Until January of this year he was also on the board the South East Wales Education Achievement Service and of Torfaen Voluntary Alliance.