Stephen also serves as Lead Member for the Thames Gateway.

He is Chair of Nations and Regions East (the Olympic legacy board for the region), Chair of the LGA Resources Panel and the LGA Olympic Task & Finish Group, Board Member of the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority, and Sport England Regional Champion for
Community Sport for the East of England.

Stephen was also a former President and Board Member of the National Conservative Party.

A life-long resident of South Essex, he is Director of Castle Opticians (the largest independent chain of optometrists in Essex)
and a qualified ski instructor.