Political Career
From 1975 to 1980, Burns was political adviser to the Rt Hon Sally Oppenheim. From 1980–83 he was a journalist and company director of What To Buy for Business magazine, and from 1983–87 was on the Policy Executive of the Institute of Directors.
He has been active in politics since 1970, when he was a founder member of the Rutland and Stamford Young Conservatives, and founder and Chairman of the Stamford School CPC.
In 1972, he worked for Senator George McGovern against Richard Nixon in his presidential election bid of that year.
From 1973 to 1975, he was a committee member, Political Action Officer and Secretary of Oxford University Conservative Association, and a member of the Oxford Union.
From 1977 to 1981, he was Treasurer, Southfields Ward, and a member of the Treasurer's and Executive Council, Putney Conservative Association.
In 1983, he was Conservative candidate in Alyn and Deeside (North Wales) when he reduced Labour's majority from 6,800 to 1,368. In 1986, he was Chairman, Avonmore Ward, Fulham Conservative Association.
Burns was made a member of the Privy Council in February 2011.
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