Tim is a qualified solicitor and public affairs professional. He was formerly Group Company Secretary and Legal Adviser to Kingfisher plc and played a key role in its successful Sunday Trading Campaign. He has had long and extensive contact with city institutions and has advised a variety of governments (including the Governments of Croatia and the Caymen Islands) as well as blue-chip companies operating in highly regulated fields. He is a board and executive member of British American Business.

Tim was made a life peer in 1998 and until July 2004 was the Liberal Democrat party's Health Spokesman. He is currently the Liberal Democrat Spokesman on Culture, Media and Sport in the House of Lords. Tim was Chairman of the Liberal Party from 1986 to 1988 and played a major part in the merger negotiations with the Social Democratic Party to form the Liberal Democrats. He is Vice-Chairman of the All Party China Group.

"partner" refers to a member of DLA Piper UK LLP

• Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales