Born, bred and educated in Bangor, Peter is a graduate in Law and Accountancy from Queens, and before becoming a full time public representative, worked as a barrister. A former UUP member he served as Chair of both Queen’s University Belfast Ulster Unionist Association and the Young Unionists. He has been involved in politics for more than 20 years, and first represented the North Down constituency in the Northern Ireland Forum between 1996 and 1998 where he became Vice Chair of the Education Committee.

A member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, representing North Down, since 1998, Peter currently serves on the Finance and Personnel Committee, the Environment Committee, and the Committee for Employment and Learning, as well as being the DUP's Chief Whip within the Assembly. 

Since 2005 he has represented Ballyholme and Groomsport on North Down Borough Council, and is a former President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association. As well as being a member of the Orange Order and Royal Black Preceptory, Peter is also a school governor at both Ballyholme Primary and Bloomfield Primary and has also served on South Eastern Education and Library Board.