Oldbury site

Councillor Matthew Riddle

Chair

I was born and bred in Oldbury-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, attended St Mary’s Church of England and The Castle Schools and then studied at Seale-Hayne Agricultural College, Devon (now part of Plymouth University). I am a farmer by profession and hold a part-time agricultural lectureship at Bridgwater and Taunton College, delivering agricultural and land management courses in partnership with Plymouth University.

I’m married to Ruth and have two grown up sons. I’m a member of a local church and enjoy playing tennis, ‘non-dig’ gardening, cider making and orchard cultivation.

I have been a member of South Gloucestershire Council since 2003 representing the Severn Vale Ward, serving first as the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and then as the Leader of the Council. During this time, I was instrumental along with two other Council Leaders of neighbouring authorities in setting up the new West of England Combined Authority. I’m currently a Lead Member of the Council’s Scrutiny Commission, the Chair of the Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board and a member of Oldbury-on-Severn Parish Council.

I live close to the Oldbury Site and am passionate about safe decommissioning and its wider socio-economic effects.