David Whitney Erskine Russell, 5th Baron Ampthill (born 27 May 1947), is the son of Geoffrey Russell, 4th Baron Ampthill, and was educated at Stowe School. He served as a councillor on Rye Town Council from July 2003 until April 2013, and currently serves as a Conservative councillor on Rother District Council. He previously served on East Grinstead Town Council and held the post of Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Community Development. Before entering politics, Russell enjoyed a career in publishing.