From the age of 8, I lived with my family in France and attended the Lycee International School in the Western suburbs of Paris.

Ten years later, I returned to the UK to continue my education at Imperial College London where I gained a BSc (Hons) Degree in Physics.

As a student I was actively involved in human rights issues and the environment, and it was these two issues in particular that fueled my interest in politics.

Elections  

I was elected as a Councillor in Hackney, before moving to Carshalton where I was elected as a Councillor soon afterwards in 1994, consolidating Lib Dem control of Sutton Council.

I stood as the Parliamentary Candidate for Carshalton and Wallington successfully in 1997, having overturned a Tory majority of 10,000.

In the most recent General Election, I won with a majority of 1,510. 

Achievements 

I am a committed and dedicated campaigner having secured victories for the community - helping Save St Helier Hospital's A&E and maternity unit from closure, saving the Thameslink from ending at Blackfriars and securing the partial re-introduction of the night bus. 

I have won several awards for my campaigning, website, and for my highly respected 'e-group'.

In June 2011 I was made a Privy Counsellor and I served as Deputy Leader of the House of Commons and Assistant Government Whip in the Coalition Government.

In May 2015 I was appointed Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and Shadow Leader of the House.