About me: Councillor Michael Tunwell

I have served continuously as a county councillor for Eastbourne since March 1975, in Central Division until 1985, and then Woodlands until 2005 when it changed to Ratton Division at the last election.

Eastbourne has a growing populace and there is a need to provide the appropriate school places and health care facilities. Residents call for better law enforcement, better protection of the environment and better roads and railways.

But how did I get here?

I used to run a contract cleaning business which was started by my father in 1929. I am very proud to be a true Eastbournian and felt I should try to do something for the town that means so much to me.

As a member of the Eastbourne Constitutional Club, I became involved with supporting our local MP Sir Charles Taylor at elections and subsequently worked very closely with his successor, the late Ian Gow.

From 1972 to 1974 I was a member of the old County Borough Council and in 1976 I ran successfully for Eastbourne Borough Council. I was Mayor of Eastbourne in 2000–01, and elected Chairman of the County Council from 2001–03.

My community

I am immensely proud to say I am a Sussex man. I live in my division and enjoy meeting and working for the community. I like being able to solve problems and influence developments.

I am particularly proud to have helped bring the Arndale Centre and Sovereign Harbour to Eastbourne, to have been involved in the extensions to Ocklynge and Ratton Schools and the building of the new A22 (Jubilee Way) and Polegate bypass.

My home life

I have been married to Joan for 53 years. We have a daughter, two sons and four granddaughters. All our children went to local schools.

My spare time

Although I am retired, I am part of several key employers associations and I’m a governor of Ratton School.

I enjoy watching cricket, listening to classical music – my favourite song is our anthem Sussex By The Sea – and gardening.

My hobbies are digital photography and computers.

Find out about my politics and how I represent the people of Eastbourne - Ratton