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I was first elected to the County Council in 1991 shortly after retiring from a teaching career mostly in Liverpool. I chose not to pursue my professional interest in education but instead concentrated on the Arts and the environment.

I was appointed a member of Cheshire’s first Cabinet in October 2000 with portfolio responsibility for cabinet business and performance.  I christened myself the Minister for Administrative Affairs.  This was an interesting and challenging time as it was the beginning of a major change in the way local authorities conducted their affairs.

I was Cheshire’s representative on the North-West Arts Board and its successor body Arts England North-West and served for many years on Chester Gateway Theatre's Board. In 2005, I was appointed Cheshire’s Champion for  Heritage Environment.

I am the Labour Group’s Chief Whip and spokesman on Transport matters. Being the councillor for Chester City division, very little happens in Chester which does not come my way, including the Northgate redevelopment, proposals for West Cheshire College, the activities of the University (and their impact on residents.) Because of this, too, I am involved in residents parking schemes and their promotion.

I have been married to Catherine for forty years, am immensely proud of my children, Sally and Richard, and inordinately impressed with my two lovely grandsons, Fineen and Fergal.