While I have been visiting, staying and working in Herne Bay for the past twenty years, I grew up in London, where I was fortunate enough to have a good state-school education. After University I returned to London and in 2006 started a business in the Legal Technology sector, which I still run today. Through its growth, and that of other start-up companies, I have created hundreds of jobs. As a successful entrepreneur, I believe I have useful skills and experiences to bring to my political and community work.
My wife Tamara is a social worker and together we love visiting restaurants, frequenting pubs and battling to stay fit. It's a challenge...
In 2014 our son Harry Watkins arrived after a lengthy delay and four amazing midwives, who showed the NHS at its very best. He has now been joined by little Florence and both are growing up just like their Dad - loving life!
We have returned to the family roots in Kent and I continue to be an active campaigner on issues I am passionate about, locally and nationally. In May 2019 I was successful in winning the seat of Greenhill ward in Herne Bay, becoming a Councillor on Canterbury City Council. In May 2021 I also became the Kent County Councillor for Herne Bay East. I hugely enjoy serving the people of Herne Hay and working to make improvements to our fantastic seaside community.
I have always been a huge advocate of volunteering to help improve your local area. For 8 years I was a governor of a Special Educational Needs school. I volunteered for 5 years at the Shaw Trust charity, mentoring the long-term unemployed back into work. In addition, I set up my own community group, where local volunteers came together to run environmental projects such as river cleaning, litter-picking and enhancing our wild green spaces. More recently I have become an ambassador for the Kent Youth Support Trust, which helps young people from disadvantaged background start up a business.
I like to stay active with the family, running and cycling whenever we can. As a member of the RSPB and the World Wide Fund for Nature, I believe in the conservation of our green spaces - locally, nationally and overseas. The environment is very important to me and I am an active member of the Conservative Environment Network, a leading Conservative think tank working to boost nature and tackle climate change.
If you would like to get involved with any of my projects - political or non-political - please get in touch with me at [email protected] .