I was born and educated in West Yorkshire. In 1973, after training as a teacher, I decided to work in Welfare Rights and Adult Social Work. Later, I became a volunteer working with offenders, and then established a scheme in Doncaster working with offenders in the community. In 1989 I was sponsored by the Home office to train as a Probation Officer. After qualifying I worked in Magistrate and Crown Courts, community teams, and in prisons working with sex offenders and lifers, reporting to Parole Boards. I created and ran a Victim Awareness Course whilst in HMP Ashwell. I retired from HMP Stocken in 2015.

My voluntary work includes:- Vice Chair of Doncaster Princes Trust. Committee member West Yorkshire Princes Trust. On re-locating to Rutland in 1996 I became a Trustee, family support volunteer, fundraiser, and Domestic Abuse trainer with Home-Start South West Lincolnshire. I did this for 20 years. Whilst living in a Rutland village I was a Trustee on the Village Hall Committee. Currently, I'm a volunteer with Youth Space and with the Community Fridge.

I first came to Uppingham 40 years ago after meeting my wife, who is a 4^th generation Uppinghamian, and fell in love with the town. My reason for being a Councillor is a desire to work with and for the local community.

Mike is the Chair of the Amenities Committee and is also on the Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Group.