As Leader of South Holland District Council for 22 years, he has overseen one of the most efficient and high-performing councils in the country, delivering sustained housing growth, robust financial management, and nationally recognised innovation in local service delivery. His on-the-ground experience in navigating planning, housing, and infrastructure challenges has made him a respected voice in how local authorities deliver long-term economic and social value.

Elevated to the House of Lords in 2015, Lord Porter went on to serve as Chairman of the Local Government Association (2015–2019), where he represented over 350 councils and led national policy reform on housing delivery, local finance, and devolution. A Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to local government, he continues to influence national infrastructure and regeneration policy through his work on the House of Lords Built Environment Committee.