Penny was born in Boston Lincolnshire, attending Boston High School for Girls and Boston College of Further Education; she graduated from North East London Polytechnic in 1982. Later the same year Penny moved to Nottingham upon her marriage to Ivan, they have 2 children Laura born in 1985 and Adam born in 1987.

Before the birth of her children Penny worked in the voluntary sector and after taking a career break, when her children were small, returned to full time employment as a social worker for Notts County Council . Penny was elected to Nottingham City Council on leap year day 1996 and has held many positions on Nottingham City Council, specialising in children's issues, equality, diversity and finance.

Penny is the longest serving member of Nottinghamshire and City of Nottingham Fire Authority, having been a member of the Authority since1998, when the Authority was established

Away from her political life Penny enjoys the theatre, films and reading but is happiest when cooking for, and socialising with, her family and friends.

The Sheriff's Lady

Is Penny's daughter Laura. Laura was born in the Queens Medical Centre in 1985. She attended Edna G Olds Primary school, Margaret Glen Bott Comprehensive school and Bilborough College. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2007.

Laura currently works for an energy company here in Nottingham.