Born in Gateshead, I went to school in the Teams area and lived for 23 years on a council estate at Lobley Hill. Since 1973, I’ve lived in Saltwell and Bensham, including St Cuthbert’s Village and The Avenues. Both my sons were also born here and went to Bensham Grove Nursery, Kelvin Grove Primary and Joseph Swan schools. I am a school governor at Joseph Swan and Kelvin Grove (where I was Chair for 18 years).

In 1986, I was first elected as a Saltwell councillor, a few years after setting up and leading the ‘Save The Avenues Campaign’ (STAC), which led to The Avenues Agency. Since then, I’ve continued to represent Saltwell with pride and commitment.

My last job was as a Senior Lecturer in Photography and Head of Digital Imaging at Northumbria University and I previously held posts in most sectors of education, including class teacher in a special school. Before that, I worked in both private and public sectors, including industry and London's Hospital Service, as a Management Services Officer. In Gateshead, I worked at Shephards Store and on Team Valley, at Waddington’s then the National Coal Board. I was also a postman in Central Gateshead.

As Leader of Gateshead Council, I am responsible for the overall Policy and Strategy of the Council. In addition to this I have responsibility for Major Projects, Partnerships and Communication and I am also the Council's Design Champion.

Regionally, I am Chair of Northumbria Police Authority a position I have held for 10 years.

I am passionately committed to the arts, creative industries and cultural diversity of our region. I regard culture as a major driver for economic regeneration and employment in our area. Towards this, I sit on the Baltic Visual Arts Trust Board and the North Music Trust (The Sage Gateshead).

Nationally, I am a member of the Local Government Association's General Assembly and its Rural and Urban Commissions. Recently, I was asked to join the NLGN City Regions Commission to explore the best way forward for strategic and local government in England.

Within Gateshead, I chair the Local Strategic Partnership and the Divesity Forum.

My wife Gael is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion at Northumbria University and also teaches Yoga in Gateshead. We have brought up and educated our two sons here and, as a family, we are committed to this area, which I will continue to work for.