Robert Parkinson is a graduate of the University of Leicester. He is married to June, with a daughter Claire. Robert is retired having had a long career working for Rolls-Royce in Derby for 32 years.

He became a member of Derbyshire County Council in 1967 and served as Civic Chairman of the Council from 2019-20 and Civic Vice Chairman from 2020-21. He currently sits as a member of the authority's planning committee.

Robert has also served as Breaston Parish Councillor since 1965 and as an Erewash Borough Councillor since 1973 where he served as Leader of the Council from 1976-90 and again from 2003-07. Robert was the Mayor of Erewash from 2010-11.

He is a past Chairman of Erewash Conservative Association and the current chairman of Breaston Conservative Branch.

Other interests of Robert's include Riding and Equestrian activities and country sports. He serves as President of the South Derbyshire Saddle Club.