Richard was elected as a Fylde Borough Councillor for Ansdell in 2011 after 22 years as Headteacher of Ansdell Primary School. He has worked tirelessly to improve the facilities and infrastructure of the village, including the delivery of over £500,000 of improvements to Woodlands Road and funding for sea defence improvements in Granny’s Bay.

He is Honorary Chairman of Friends of Ansdell Library, campaigning successfully to keep Ansdell Library open, and has helped to organise Ansdell Lights, worked with Friends of Lansdowne Road Park and is a member of the Ansdell Heritage Trail Group. He is Vice Chair of Fylde Council Planning Committee and sits on the Finance and Democracy Committee. He is a member of St Paul’s Church, the National Trust, a supporter of Blackpool FC and enjoys singing, swimming and cycling.

Richard is married to Sheila and his two daughters attended Ansdell Primary and Lytham St Annes High School.