 From 1961 until 1974, he worked as an engineer with the Post Office.He joined the Labour Party, and served on Gillingham Council from 1966 to 1969, and again from 1972 to 1974.Having fought Sevenoaks in 1970, Ovenden served as Member of Parliament for the marginal seat of Gravesend from 1974 to 1979, when he lost to the Conservative Timothy Brinton.