Hello I’m Mike

I am the son of Irish immigrants who each made their own way to Manchester in 1955. I was born on 9 January 1969 and grew up in Wythenshawe, a place that has shaped who I am.

As a young person, I spent a lot of time caring for my mum, who lived with MS. That experience stayed with me and helped form my sense of responsibility and fairness. When I was 19, my local MP Alf Morris encouraged me to join the Labour Party. I was deeply inspired by his work, especially his role in creating the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act and his lifelong commitment to standing up for disabled people.

After leaving school, I followed my dad into the building trade and worked as a labourer. Those early mornings and freezing winter days made a real impression on me and pushed me to think about a different path. I decided to return to education as a mature student at Manchester University, and in 1999 I graduated with a PGCE.

I then became a primary school teacher at Springfield Primary in Sale. Teaching was a huge part of my life and it is something that continues to influence how I approach politics, especially when it comes to listening, explaining and bringing people together.

My political journey began early. I was first elected to Manchester City Council in 1991, representing Northenden, and I served there until 2008. During that time, I became Executive Member for Arts and Leisure and led the investment strategy that helped transform Manchester Central Library.

After my time on the council, I worked for James Purnell, the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, and later for Jonathan Reynolds. I then became an advisor to the leader at Tameside Council. In 2013, I took on the role of Acting Chief Executive of Movement for Change, where I worked on campaigns tackling issues like rogue landlords and illegal lending. That belief in people power is something I have carried with me ever since.

In February 2014, I was elected as the Member of Parliament for Wythenshawe and Sale East. Since then, helping local people has always been at the heart of what I do. In my first few months alone, I supported thousands of constituents with individual cases, while also working on issues like international development, holding bankers to account on the Treasury Select Committee and introducing legislation to support those suffering from mesothelioma.

I have always campaigned for good quality social housing and better opportunities for disabled people. I have also worked on issues such as fair access to credit, tackling family debt, raising aspirations for young women and securing justice for those affected by work related cancers.

When Labour was elected to government, I was honoured to be asked to serve as a Minister at the Department for Transport. I was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for aviation, maritime and security. In that role, I worked on supporting the growth of UK aviation, strengthening our ports and maritime sector, and driving forward decarbonisation across transport. I also had responsibility for transport security, international policy and improving accessibility across the network. Representing a constituency that is home to Manchester Airport made this role especially meaningful to me.

After the government reshuffle in 2025, I returned to focusing fully on my work as a constituency MP, continuing to stand up for people across Wythenshawe and Sale East.

Outside of politics, I enjoy camping, cycling, gardening and football. I am a regular player and a proud Manchester City season ticket holder. Whilst my wife Sandra is the love of my life, music comes a close second; I play the flute and the bagpipes in a local pipe band, and I am not too bad on the guitar either.