Robert was born in Manchester where he attended his local comprehensive.

Robert’s father, Terry, was one of eight children from an Irish Catholic family in Salford and worked a variety of jobs, including as a Shabbos goy, postman, and trade union shop steward. 

His mother, Joanna, left school with no qualifications, having to take care of her younger sisters following the death of her father on her 11th birthday. She later worked in the Department of Social Security.

Robert studied economics and politics at the University of Manchester, working behind the fish counter at Asda to help pay for his tuition. He then studied at night school while working full time, training to become a Chartered Accountant. He went on to have a successful career in finance, working as an Equity Capital Markets Manager at Deloitte.

Robert describes himself as an “independent minded moderate” and is a member of the One Nation Caucus of Conservative MPs. When asked in an interview why he was a Conservative, he responded that they were the “least worst option.”

Robert was elected the Conservative Member of Parliament for High Peak in 2019 and served until 2024. 

He previously served as a member of the Transport Select Committee, having contributed to inquiries into various issues, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the aviation sector and the rollout and safety of smart motorways.

Robert has also been a member of the Conservative Environmental Network and is a keen advocate for environmental and conservation causes. He also founded the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Peak District and was elected chair, with a focus on bringing green jobs to the region.

On 25 October 2022, Robert was appointed Assistant Government Whip assisting the Northern Ireland Office ministerial team and was later shuffled into the Treasury ministerial team.

In his spare time, Robert is a keen fell walker and can often be found in one of High Peak’s brilliant pubs watching football.