I was born and grew up in south London. Both my parents are Italian - with my dad coming to the UK on his own when he was just 16 years old. My mum is a Teaching Assistant in a state primary school. My wife Amy is also a teacher, working in a local Special Educational Needs school. I've been entirely state educated and I'm proud to have been the first member of my family to go to university.
Amy and I are the doting parents of twin boys, born in 2020 at the incredible East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.
For over 10 years I've been a committed community activist in my hometown, campaigning across the community as a volunteer and since 2014 as an elected local councillor in Coulsdon. Since 2016 I've been part of the leadership team for the Conservatives on Croydon Council, helping to manage the campaign that successfully delivered a Conservative Mayor in 2022.
In my day job I've worked at the University of Surrey, in Parliament, for global brand Heineken, and in the city for Virgin Money UK. From November 2017 to June 2019 I supported Prime Minister Theresa May as a Special Adviser in 10 Downing Street. I now work for Dentons Global Advisers, a leading international public affairs consultancy with a diverse range of clients including John Lewis, Waitrose, Expedia, and Budweiser.
My belief in the potential of our society runs deep. I truly believes that it's only when our communities comes together that we can tackle the complex issues facing our local areas - one that will create an environment that promotes aspiration and helps us all thrive. That's at the core of why I ran to be a Member of Parliament in 2019: to work with everyone to help our community, and our country, to be the best it can be.
If you want to learn how to get involved in shaping your area for the better, then get in touch and I will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction.
To find out more about Mario, check out his CV.
"Mario is excellent and I know that behind it all is a huge amount of campaigning work. I have no doubt we'll see him on the green benches with us very soon."
Rt Hon. Nadhim Zahawi MP, Secretary of State for Education, October 2021