After completing a Business Studies qualification at college, David worked in the music business - firstly for Rank Leisure Services, and then for EMI Records. Later, in agreement with his now ex-wife, he was the main carer (househusband) for his children, whilst she established her career as a GP.
Having first been elected as a county councillor in 1977 (not in Devon), that aspect of David's life developed over 36 years, inter alia becoming a council leader and undertaking other public appointments relating to health, police, and economic development. In the final ten years of his local government activity before retirement, he chaired the LGA Community Wellbeing Board, involving many London meetings, conferences, and working on shared interests with other national organisations. This included lobbying of Government - both civil servants and (occasionally) ministers.
Now in Devon, David became a trustee and subsequently chair of the (then) charity Healthwatch Devon; and more recently a trustee of Devon Communities Together.