Nick Ireland

I became interested in politics in 1981 whilst studying for my History ‘O’ level in Liverpool.  We were given coursework to follow the foundation of the SDP and the ‘Gang of Four’ over a four week period. At the time it was a seismic shakeup of GB politics - I was hooked.

After University, politics sat on the back-burner. I concentrated on local, apolitical community issues, joining Osmington Parish Council in 2009. In 2015, a friend asked me to stand with her for West Dorset District Council.  We both lost narrowly but I was hooked (again). Then, in 2017, I was elected to the Linden Lea Division of Dorset County Council.

In 2019, Dorset became a Unitary authority and I was elected to the new Crossways Ward of Dorset Council. Since 2018, I’ve had the honour and privilege to lead the Liberal Democrat group. I stood in the 2019 General Election for the South Dorset Parliamentary Seat. The Lib Dem vote doubled in the process. 

I am very interested in health and wellbeing, sitting on the Health Scrutiny Committee (now People & Health Scrutiny) and also being a Governor of Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust. I’ve also sat on the West & South Planning Committee since 2019, along with numerous other roles.

I work fulltime as a Software Engineer and live with my wife Liz and dog Roo.  We have three adult children, none of whom can afford to live in Dorset! My interests revolve around music and sports, especially swimming (I’ve swum across the English Channel). I also enjoy running and cycling.