I was born in Stone, educated at Trentham Junior School and Longton High School in Stoke on Trent. I served a five year student apprenticeship with English Electric and Beaconside Stafford. I then moved to work in Manchester in Engineering Insurance. In 1997 we moved to Shebdon and I spent a few years extending our cottage before taking an interest in local politics. I was first elected to Stafford Borough Council in February 2002 and re-elected five times covering 20 years before stepping down in May 2023. I was the Cabinet Member for Sport & Leisure for sixteen years and Cabinet Member for Resources for 4 years I was also the deputy leader for 9 years. I have been a member of High Offley Parish Council for a similar period.

For many years I was a keen athlete competing for Staffordshire in the national school championships and I ran the first London Marathon. I am a member of Newcastle Staffs Athletic Club and North Staffs Road Runners Association where I was the statistician for ten years.

I am a keen gardener and a member of the Haberdashers Arms horticultural show committee. I am also interested in vintage machinery, mainly agricultural and railways, being a volunteer for a new build locomotive.

I am married with two grown-up children and four grandchildren.

Email: mike@snae.net