I was born in London where my father was a Police Officer. I was educated at Twickenham County Grammar School followed by Liverpool University where I graduated in 1979 with a degree in History and Politics.

I joined Ford Motor Company as a graduate trainee and worked on the shop floor in a supervisory role. I later moved into retail management, spending seven years with Argos, three years with Dixons/Currys and then joined Boots before heading up Buying and Marketing at Halfords. I then spent several years living and working in Indonesia with my husband.

My political life started at university, as a member of the Federation of Conservative Students. Politics then took a back seat to work and family life for many years during which time my involvement was restricted to helping out at election time. In 1999 I was elected as a Councillor on Cotswold District Council and became Leader of the Council (the first Conservative!) in 2003. In 2005 I was elected to Gloucestershire County Council and became the Lead Cabinet Member for the Environment in 2006.

I was selected to stand as a Conservative candidate in the 2004 European elections but, as seventh on the list, I was too far down to be elected. I persevered and was delighted to gain the number two position second time around.

I was elected as MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar in June 2009, joining Giles Chichester MEP and Ashley Fox MEP in representing the area.

I have a keen interest in all environmental matters as well as agriculture and was very pleased to become a member of the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee within the European Parliament. I am also a substitute member on the Fisheries Committee and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Conservative Delegation.

I am a strong supporter of rural communities and country pursuits and like to spend my spare time riding horses and walking my dog. I also enjoy gardening and would one day like to have my garden in a condition fit to open to the public.

I live in the Cotswolds with my husband Warren and 16 year old son Angus who goes to school in Cheltenham.