Career
In the mid-1970s he was instrumental in the construction of the Grafton Centre in Cambridge, a shopping centre, though there was controversy over the demolition of a number of nineteenth century terraces as a result. In the 1979 election he contested Harlow, securing a 13% swing from Labour to Conservative, which just failed to oust Labour Member of Parliament Stan Newens (by 1,392 votes). However, at the 1987 election Garrett retook the seat with a majority of 336.
Powley returned to local government in Cambridgeshire following his defeat.
He served as one of the county councillors for Soham and was prominent as a spokesman for the local community following the Soham murders of 2003. He was Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council for two years from 2011 to 2013, when he decided not to stand for re-election to the County Council.
