Name: Roger Mace
Age: 65

Marital status/children: Married to Joyce: two sons and one daughter.

Home: Halton Road, Nether Kellet.

Job outside council (if any): Former activities have included being an academic at Lancaster University (1976-1997), a Chartered Accountant, an author, a publisher, a company director, an Honorary Professor of Tax, Accounting and Finance at a University in China, and the founder of my own business as a designer and writer of computer software.

Education and professional training: Foundation Scholar at Solihull School, University of Bristol (B.A.), London School of Economics (M.Sc.), Price Waterhouse (F.C.A).

Political Background: A follower of Conservative politics since early schooldays, Vice Chairman of The Bow Group (1971) and a Founder Member of Morecambe and Lunesdale Conservative Association. Lancaster City Councillor since 1999, Leader of the Conservative Group on Lancaster City Council since April 2006, and Leader of the City Council from May 2007 to February 2009.

Interests: Voluntary activities have included being a School Governor [Former Chair of Governors at Carnforth High School], a Parish Councillor [at Nether Kellet for 12 years], and a founder member of the local environmental group EPIK [Environmental Protection in Kellet] and of The Kellets Twinning Committee. I was Treasurer of a local charity - The North Lancashire Counselling Service – from 2001 to 2004.

Hobbies: Visiting historic places at home and abroad, photographing flowers, and collecting illustrated antiquarian books. I am a member of Lunesdale Camera Club.

Likes: Family life, eating, drinking, and participating in productive discussion.

Dislikes: People who intimidate others and people who never display a sense of humour.

Political Heroes: In chronological order: John Dee, sixteenth century mathematician, astrologer, book collector and adviser in the Court of Queen Elizabeth, for his contribution to the development of navigation and of Britain’s international trade; John Lilburne, seventeenth century pamphleteer and political prisoner, for his campaign in support of the rights of the common man; and William Pitt the younger, for his career as Britain’s youngest-ever Prime Minister and for his successful defence of Britain’s independence.

Pros of being on council: Having the chance to represent common sense views on issues affecting local people, the local environment and the quality of life in the district.

Cons of being on council: Not having as much power to influence council decisions as some voters might think.