David Stanbury

Occupation: Retired

Co-operative Businesses traded with in last 12 months Food, Funeralcare and Insurance

Skills and experience

I kept my promises. I am committed, independent politically, with excellent attendance, regularly challenging constructively the Board/Management and giving my fees to charities (£8,660 in less than 3 years). If re-elected, I’ll continue to do so. Lifelong member. Working class background. Educated at Oxford University (MA). Former Magistrate, County Councillor, Parish Council Chair, Co-operative Society Director. Chief Executive (21 years, 15 staff) of successful, not for profit Enterprise Agency giving free business advice.

Additional information

I’ve kept the promises I made when you elected me 3 years ago. I’ve been an active, committed Council member with an excellent attendance record. I’ve done the research to enable me to challenge and probe the Board and Management and I’ve given my fees to various charities (£8,660 to date in less than last three years, approximately £14-15,000 in last 6-7 years) and, if re-elected, will continue to do so.

Life-long co-operator – member since age 18. Working class background (father a carpenter, mother a domestic servant). Educated at Oxford University (MA). Former magistrate, County Councillor, Co-operative Society Director and Chair of a Parish Council. Extensive business experience. Worked for multi-nationals and for last 21 years before retiring I was Chief Executive of a successful not for profit trust (an Enterprise Agency with 15 staff), giving free business advice and providing computer training to all ages.

Member of South Devon Area Committee for four years. Regular charity volunteer. Member of Salvation Army.

My record – academic, business, public life – demonstrates competence, but above all I’m no “yes” man”. It’s often uncomfortable going against the crowd, but having the courage of your own convictions and standing up for what you believe is always right.

We have had a rough time. Half the assets built over 160 years were lost in four. Things are better now, but we still have a long way to go. Like for like sales in our convenience Food stores are excellent and Funeralcare is the market leader, but overall profits are very small, making investment difficult. Regrettably, we had to sell Pharmacy and Farms and no longer own any part of the Co-op Bank.

There is still no dividend, but the 5% and 1% initiative has attracted new customers and I believe, without being complacent, we have turned the corner.

I believe we now have some excellent Directors with impressive backgrounds and experience. That does not guarantee success, but I am optimistic that the Board and Council will continue to work together to avoid the mistakes of the past.

The Rochdale Pioneers believed in political independence. So do I. Yes, I have twice been a County Councillor (for Labour in Staffordshire, SDP in Devon), but I haven’t been a member, supporter or even voter for any one party for over 30 years. I have opposed giving over £600.000 annually of your money to the tiny 9,000 member Co-op Party.

If you vote for me, you can be sure I’ll be an active, energetic, vocal representative. I'll always speak up for what I believe to be right even if that isn't popular