I was born in Birmingham. Prior to embarking upon a political career, I attended Liverpool Polytechnic, achieving a Degree in Law, and followed with a career in retail management, which included running my own second-hand bookshop.
I was elected to represent Broughton ward in 1990, and up until becoming Deputy Leader in 1998, I held the position of Vice Chairman and subsequently Chairman of Salford’s former Education Committee. I have represented Salford on a number of educational institutions, serving as Vice Chairman of the AMA Education Committee and Chair of the Council of Local Education Authorities.
I was elected to the position of Leader of the Council in May 2003
It was this education background that led to my appointment to the Further Education Funding Council and then in the year 2000, I was appointed as a member of both the Local and National Learning & Skills Councils, and I have remained as a special advisor to the National Council up until the present day. Other portfoilios include the LGA Finance & Strategy Executive, Deputy Chair of the Children & Young People Board, the North West Development Agency, Halle Board and more recently onto the Greater Manchester Commission for Economic Development, Employment & Skills.
Outside politics I enjoy listening to music, playing chess, walking, reading and watching football.
