"Born and raised in Braunstone Town; Les was educated at Ravenhurst and Winstanley schools providing him with a proud and life-forming education that has truly stood the test of time.

Full statement

Les lives locally with his youngest son and his wife of 38 years, Jackie; a specialist in pre-school children with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.

Passionate about our social environment, where we live and the opportunities that everyone should have, Les works tirelessly to ensure that both local and personal issues such as ASB, roads; health; traffic; social care, housing and dog fouling are championed and dealt with in the most efficient manner and as a proud member of the Blaby Planning Committee, Les is a powerful voice keen to ensure that good housing and commercial development is welcome but well located and beneficial to our residents and communities and says: -.

“It is down to the hard work, skill and dedication of the staff, Officers and Councillors at Blaby District Council that the Blaby district has been voted the 5th best place to live in England. As your council and your elected representatives, we will always have to make difficult decisions, some of which may not be popular but I am proud to be part of the leading group that has always cast their votes, been prepared to stand up and be counted; and always taken the decisions that are right for the people who live, work and play in the Blaby area.

In Blaby district, we are privileged to be seen as a golden economy for investment and employment and these investments and developments will bring amazing opportunities for generations to come; not just with local jobs and skills but with access to brand new state-of-the-art leisure, education and health services; investment and improvements to motorway junctions and a wide range of mixed and affordable housing for local people”.

Starting his career as an Apprentice at GEC in New Parks; Les quickly moved on to enjoy a career in a leading FTSE100 Plc and most latterly a major USA Group bringing him into contact with amazing people from all walks of life. Now; as a Co-Director of a local business consultancy, Regional Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, Clerk to Cosby Parish Council and volunteer Mentor for students from year 11 upwards through to Masters level; Les says: -

“I am privileged to be able to help others succeed by pursuing my passion for business, innovation, skills and people. I get to work with a wide variety of businesses; universities and experts and represent thousands of small businesses across the East Midlands; ensuring that their voices are heard with senior stakeholders; politicians and Government agencies”.

As a mature business person and ex-job hunter, Les is himself profoundly aware of the challenges faced by the over 50’s who are finding re-employment challenging and the enormous impacts that can have on family life. Not only does Les champion this cause at every opportunity but with a small team supporting him, Les launched a new recruitment and placement job board specialising in the over 50’s who possess immense business and economic expertise and have the experience to identify new opportunities, attract investment; build businesses and create jobs. Already partnered with the DWP, Les is in discussions with Higher Education and global research groups about the challenges and opportunities for the over 50’s and collectively, we look forward to making a real difference and lobbying Government."