About me

I’ve lived in Nottingham for more than half my live, having come here from Manchester in 2003 to study. In 2011 I was elected to represent Basford on Nottingham City Council. As well as representing local residents during this time, I served as an executive councillor for Adults and Health, and chaired the City’s Health and Wellbeing Board.

In 2017 I was proud to be elected as the new Labour Member of Parliament for Nottingham North, and I was re-elected in 2019. During Labour’s time in Opposition I served as a Shadow Minister covering a range of briefs, including international development, levelling up, and policing. During the Covid pandemic, I served as the Shadow Minister for Prevention, Public Health and Primary Care.

In 2024 new constituency boundaries came into place, with Nottingham North expanding to become Nottingham North and Kimberley. I stood in the new seat and was delighted to be elected on the same night that Labour entered government. After Labour won the general election, I served as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, responsible for Local Growth, Building Safety and Fire. In September 2025 I became a Minister of State in the Home Office, with responsibilities for Border Security and Asylum.

I currently live in Bulwell, and have previously lived across the constituency, in Highbury Vale, Whitemoor Esatate and by Vernon Park. Prior to my election, I had worked as a Trade Union organiser, and for the Labour Party and Nottingham City Council.

Outside of Parliament, I’m a keen runner, supporter of Manchester City and my wife and I have a border collie called Boomer.