Robert Flatley grew up in Cotmanhay and attended Loughborough University from 2015 - 2018. He is heavily involved in the local community a Councillor, Governor at Cotmanhay Infant and Nursery School and a former trustee of Bright Street Laundry and Community Concern Erewash.

He has served as the County Councillor for Ilkeston East since May 2017 and is the youngest Derbyshire County Councillor have been elected at the age of 20. He serves on the council's Improvement and Scrutiny People Committee and also serves as the Cabinet Support Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism.

Robert is a keen advocate for local people across Ilkeston wanting to ensure that the County Council does it's best for the town and for local residents. He has been involved in ensuring the replacement for the Hazelwood Care Home at Bennerley gets delivered by Derbyshire County Council and continues to support a range of local groups across the community.