Meet George: our Leader and Councillor for Rainham North
Councillor George Perfect is a proud lifelong resident of Medway, born at Medway Hospital and raised in Gillingham and Rainham. With deep family roots spanning generations across the towns, George has always been passionate about serving the community he calls home.
After studying Politics at the University of Westminster, where he graduated with a First-Class Honours degree, George began building a successful career in public affairs.
George's commitment to public service started at a young age through the Medway Youth Council, where he progressed to become Chair. In this role, he worked closely with local councillors through Medway Council's Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, helping to ensure the voices of young people were heard and decision-makers were held to account. As Chair, he collaborated with youth representatives from across the country and became a prominent advocate for youth participation in politics, regularly contributing to national media discussions. He also played a leading role in establishing the Medway Youth Awards, a programme that continues to celebrate the achievements of more than 200 young people every year.
A passionate supporter of education, George was appointed a Community Governor at Fort Pitt Grammar School in 2018 and became Vice Chair the following year. In March 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he became the youngest Chair of Governors in the English school system when he was appointed at Balfour Junior School. His leadership during an unprecedented period of disruption was later recognised in a National Governors Association peer review, which described his stewardship through the pandemic and recovery as exemplary.
Following his election to Medway Council, George stepped down as Chair of Governors but remains actively involved in education governance through his work with the Inspire Partnership Academy Trust and Beyond Schools Trust, helping to support high-quality education for thousands of young people across Medway and beyond.
George was first elected to Medway Council in May 2023, representing Rainham North after securing victory in one of the area's most competitive wards. His contributions were quickly recognised, leading to appointments as Opposition Spokesperson for Children and Young People and later as lead for communications and external affairs within the Conservative Group. He was elected Deputy Group Leader in March 2024 and, just two months later, was unanimously elected Leader of the Medway Conservative Group.
Alongside his local responsibilities, George has taken on a growing role in national local government. In September 2024, he was appointed as a Substitute Member of the Local Government Association's Children, Young People and Families Committee, becoming a full member in May 2025, where he contributes to discussions and policy development on behalf of councils across England.
Outside politics, George is an Associate Director at a Westminster-based public affairs consultancy, advising organisations on public policy, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.
