Lesley was a City of Edinburgh Councillor for 33 years and held numerous positions in the Council, including Leader, Lord Provost and Convener of Transport and Environment Committee. Lesley is a qualified primary school teacher. In addition, she is a past Chair of NHS Health Scotland, a member of Scotmid East Coast Committee and Chair of the Scottish Co-op Party. Lesley has a long-standing commitment to the Co-operative model and is a founding and current member of Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative.

Lesley has extensive experience of board membership in a personal capacity, as well as representing the Council in numerous public and private sector organisations, such as Edinburgh’s Telford College, Pilton Partnership, Edinburgh’s Mela, Dance Base, Edinburgh Fairtrade City, One City Trust and the City of Literature. Lesley currently Chair of North Edinburgh Arts and is a Board member of One City Trust, Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre, Edinburgh and Lothian Race Equality Council and Capital Carers.