Michael Conolly

I was born in South London and educated at Dulwich College and Cambridge, where I took a languages degree. I am married to Lynne and we have two adult children. I spent over 30 years in the retail food trade before moving to the District in 2002 to take up a job at Kent College in Canterbury, from which I retired in 2008. I was elected to the Council in 2008 and initially served on the Scrutiny and Governance Committees. Following the 2011 elections I was appointed to the Cabinet as Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance - essentially the Finance job.

I am an active member of St Mary's Church, Wingham, where I serve on the Parochial Church Council. Lynne and I are Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Organisers for Wingham and Preston.

As well as my Church activities I am a keen walker (with my two dogs) and enjoy almost every kind of sport. I jokingly describe myself as 'the other Crystal Palace supporter'. My active sporting life is now confined to the Bat and Trap team at my local pub. I am also very interest in wine and occasionally hold tutored tastings in wine appreciation as fund-raising events for local community groups.