About Liz
I was a war baby so my childhood, although very happy, came with no frills due to rationing and money being tight. My father did shiftwork and when he was promoted to manager at Claydon Cement Works, I was not given a choice to continue my education. I was, instead, sent straight to Miss Holmes Secretarial College, where I achieved 120 wpm shorthand and 60 wpm typing. I went on to enjoy a very interesting career, mostly in the law sector as a conveyancer.
For those who know me, it won’t come as any surprise that I am at my happiest when I am spending time with friends and my family. I have two daughters, Samantha and Rachael, and six grandchildren. Sadly, I was widowed nearly 13 years ago, and life hasn’t always been as easy as it looks to everyone – it is very hard and sometimes very lonely to be on your own.
However, my love is politics, and I was very honoured to become a councillor in 2002 and then leader of Ipswich Borough Council in 2004, a role which was a great privilege, albeit very demanding. I then went on to work with Ben Gummer MP for Ipswich in 2012. In 2013, myself, Ben, and Sue Wilcock (editor and owner of Suffolk Director) started the Ipswich Suffolk Business Club; a group which is still going strong today and where I act as honorary secretary.
In May this year, I was appointed as chairman of Suffolk County Council – an honour I never thought I would achieve, and it makes me happy every day. I am very blessed.
Q&As
Describe yourself in three words? Caring, loving, and happy.
What was your first job? Secretary at Hare & Pert Architects.
What frustrates you? The time it takes to get things done.
How do you spend your leisure time? Meeting up with friends and family.
What is your go-to comfort food? Fish pie.
What temptation can’t you resist? My two pieces of dark chocolate every day.
What is your number one karaoke song? Sweet Caroline.
What would be your plan B as a career? Barrister.
Which one luxury could you not live without? Wine.
Which three people dead or alive would you invite as dinner guests? Prince William, Boris Johnson, and Sarah Vine.
If you could time travel, where would you go and why? To the beginning of the 20th Century as it formed where we are today.
How many attempts before you passed your driving test? Two.
