I was born in Fleetwood and have been a resident of the town all my life.  I attended Blakiston Primary, Larkholme Junior and Baines Grammar Schools.  I then trained as a winch builder at Robertson's, then worked at ICI before becoming one of 'Maggie's Millions' as manufacturing industry was decimated by the Tories in the 1980's.  I also worked as a milkman before taking up adult education.

 

As a mature student I gained a BA (Hons) degree in Politics and a Masters degree in Contemporary Sociology, both from Lancaster University.

 

I then became a lay tutor for my Union, the TGWU, before becoming the Parliamentary Assistant to Joan Humble MP.

 

I was a Wyre Borough Councillor for Bailey Ward from 1994 until 1999, then Councillor for Pharos Ward from 1999 onwards.  I have been a County Councillor for Fleetwood Marine, now Fleetwood East, from 1999 onwards.  The positions I have held on the County Council have included: Chief Whip for the Labour Group, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, Cabinet Member for Overview and Scrutiny, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and being a Member of Lancashire's Police Authority.  I presently hold the position of Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment.

 

Other activities include: Chair of 6/519 branch of the TGWU Union; Member of the Amicus Trade Union; Chair of Lancaster and Fleetwood Constituency Labour Party; Chair of the Fylde Co-op Member's Group; Member of Fleetwood Neighbourhood Watch Association; Member of the Fleetwood Community Association; Board Member of Pennine Prospects; Board Member of the Sir CC Grundy Chairty for the Poor; Board Member of Fleetwood Credit Union; Member of the Management Committee of the McKee Centre; Member of the North West and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee; and Member of the Wyre Community Safety Partnership.