joined the Labour Party in 1974 aged 16, in Neville Branch, and was active from day one working in elections  and regularly attended meetings of the Town Council as a member of the public until elected in 1983 serving as a Town Councillor until 1996, instigator of Councillors surgeries and newsletters major reformer on Town Council, elected Mayor 1991-92 , elected youngest ever President of the Bishop Auckland Constituency Labour Party in 1987, allowed membership to lapse 1996, rejoined Aug 2007. Founder member of Darlington Branch Anti Nazi League 1977, School Governor Woodham Burn 1983-1993 Secretary Aycliffe West Branch of Labour Party 10 years. Former member of Co-operative Party and Fabian Society