Peter says "My parents moved to Fleet in the 1950s and to Abbotsbury in the early 1960s.

Full statement

I went to school at Hardyes. Abbotsbury has always been ‘home’ despite the demands of a job that required a lot of travel. Most importantly I love the area around the Chesil and of all the many places that we’ve lived as a family I’ve never felt a stronger sense of belonging.

"I’ve been working mainly for the UK government in the field of rural development (agriculture, forestry, livestock husbandry, soil and water management) for over 30 years and have over 20 years of specialised technical experience in climate change adaptation and resilience in less developed countries.

"I worked as a senior civil servant for 10 years, and have the associated skills in policy development, management, communication, budget administration and procurement. I believe I have a good understanding of how government works and I feel I would be an asset to Dorset Council".

Peter joined the Green Party in 2015, as he felt then – and still does – that its goals and policies particularly on protecting nature and preventing climate change are closely aligned with his own.

He concludes: “It would be a privilege to represent the people of Chesil Bank Ward, and I look forward to working for the local community, understanding the local issues that matter to people - including the quieter voices - and in bringing to the mix all the skills and experience I have that can help.”