Mike entered the National Assembly for Wales at the elections held in May 2011.

Mike has lived in Morriston for many years but was born in Plasmarl and educated at Plasmarl and Parklands primary schools, Penlan Comprehensive, Swansea and Cardiff Universities. He is married to Anne who works in home care in Swansea and has a daughter Catrin who attends Ysgol Gyfun Bryntawe.

Originally a research scientist for British Steel at Port Talbot Mike has spent the last 27 years as a lecturer in Pontypridd teaching Computing.

A Councillor representing Morriston since 1989 he has held many posts on the Council including Council Leader, Chair of Finance, and Cabinet member for Technical Services and is currently vice chair of a scrutiny committee. He has been the welsh Local government spokesperson on both Social services and Information.

Taking an active interest in Education Mike has been a Governor of Swansea University, Swansea Institute, Mynyddbach and Morriston Comprehensives, Swansea College and is currently chair of Governors of Glyncollen and Ynystawe Primary schools.

Mike is keenly interested in health and was a non executive director of Swansea NHS trust between 1999 and 2005.

Active in Local sport Mike has been a Soccer referee, coach and was secretary of Morriston town for many years. Currently he is President of Ynystawe Cricket and football club and a social member of both Morriston RFC and Glais RFC.