Palmer first stood as a candidate for Barnet London Borough Council in Childs Hill ward in 1968, first elected 1986, stood down in 1994, returned 1998 and finally retired in 2014. He was chair of its audit committee of a council with a £500 million net annual expenditure. On 19 November 2010, it was announced that Palmer would be created a life peer.[3] He was created Baron Palmer of Childs Hill, of Childs Hill in the London Borough of Barnet on 17 January 2011[4][5]
In the House of Lords, Palmer spoke, until May 2014, on defence (procurement, housing, veterans) and now[when?] lead spokesperson In Lords on Work & Pensions; speaks on international affairs, local government, taxation, fire and safety, and all matters relating to trade and business.[citation needed] He has a long-standing interest in achieving peace in the Middle East and is a regular speaker on this and also on matters of concern to the UK Jewish Community. Palmer is a Vice President of the Jewish Leadership Council.[6]
He is married to Susette, who was a councillor for Childs Hill from 1994 to 2014. They have three children and seven grandchildren.