Donald was elected as the Conservative Councillor for Charlwood in 1999. He has a degree in engineering and after a long career in the international energy business, he became a District Councillor for the Charlwood Ward in 1999. He serves on town twinning, Gatwick Greenspace, Rural Commission, SEERA, Surrey Hills AONB, the National Local Authority Airports Committee SASIG, Mole Valley Arts and he is a former chairman of the Resources Committee. He is also a past Director of South East Arts. His previous appointments include Industrial Advisor to the National Economic Development Office, Chief Executive, Croydon and South London Chamber of Commerce, Member of the National Health Service Supplies Board and Member of the British Iron and Steel Consumers Council.

Don has lived with his family in the Ward for over 37 years. He is a great believer in Parish Councils and he has personally ensured that the Parish receives appropriate funding from the district for the job it has to do.