A little about Andrew
Andrew is the proud Dad of two children now at University, and lives with his wife, Barbara, near Petworth with his energetic Labrador and Cocker Spaniel.
Andrew had an unusual route into politics and wouldn't consider himself a 'Career Politician'. He spent 27 years working in business and joined Sky where he spent most of his career - eventually serving its customers as the youngest FTSE 100 Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. During Andrew's time at Sky, the business grew its customer base from 3 million to 30 million viewers. Andrew also served as the Chairman of Just Eat where he was awarded Non-Executive Director of the Year by The Sunday Times. It was when he was at Sky that he and his family moved to West Sussex, now around 14 years ago.
Andrew's priorities in his own words
Living in this South Downs constituency with my family, its always been easy for me to understand what matters to local people as we use the same roads, high streets and public services.
My top priority will always be to work to protect our countryside and green fields. On an early morning dog wals, it's easy to have your breath taken away by the scenery around us. That's why since my very first speech in Parliament I have campaigned to clamp down on unsustainable rural overdevelopment in favour of building homes on previously developed land and putting most development in the big cities which already have the supporting infrastructure.
I also know that our rural area faces challenges around crime and antisocial behaviour. I have made a point of working closely with Sussex Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to tackle rural crime and anti-social behaviour in our towns. A related issue is anti-social and reckless motorcyclists or drivers misusing our already dangerous A-roads and causing noise or speeding through villages.
Lots of us in Arundel & South Downs aren't getting any younger! For that reason, improving our local healthcare services is key to me. I have conducted one of the biggest ever local NHS Surveys in the area and regularly share the results with local NHS leadership and Ministers to try to shape priorities and fix issues where they arise. I've also worked closely with communities to support GP surgeries and save the local pharmacies which are often a fragile part of our High Streets but vital to residents.
Hear more about Andrew
Andrew works hard to be an accessible MP - in the last 4 years he has responded to 24,000 emails and letters. He also holds regular surgeries, large 'In Conversation' events and makes every effort to join community events across the area.
He also regularly contribute to local papers and magazines. You can read some of his contributions by clicking on the links below:
- Read about Andrew's life in this 'Desert Island Disc' interview with Graffham Parish News (Page 12)
- Read about Andrew's transition from business to politics in his interview with the Arundel Bell
- Listen to the BBC's Ben Weisz interview Andrew as they walked about Stopham
Andrew's work in the local press
Andrew works hard to promote our area and build our community's brand - especially by sharing news with the local press.
