He was a Country Liberal Party member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 2008 to 2016, representing the electorate of Sanderson.

Born in Perth, Western Australia, Styles owned and operated a multi-purpose ship and worked as a public servant for the state government, before joining Western Australia Police.

In 1981, he moved to Darwin and transferred to the Northern Territory Police where he served for 27 years.

[2] He was later appointed to cabinet as Minister for Business; Racing, Gaming and Licensing; Asian Engagement and Trade; Employment and Training; Corporate and Information Services; Multicultural Affairs; Young Territorians; Senior Territorians; and Defence Industries.

Peter announced his support for voluntary euthanasia in 2010, citing his experience watching his wife Rhonda die from a terminal illness in 1989.