my story

I grew up in the 1980s on one of the most deprived council estates in the country, in a community scarred by crime, drugs and unemployment. I couldn’t read or write properly until I was eight. A council house swap gave my family a fresh start, and a new school helped me catch up.

When the far right tried to divide my town, I stood with my Muslim friends against fascism and Islamophobia. That lived experience of poverty and division doesn’t just shape my politics, it shapes who I am.

As a gay man, I know what it means to battle for rights, recognition and respect. That’s why I have already stood in solidarity with those whose fight for equality is far from over. And why I will strive to build a more inclusive and welcoming Wales.

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I’ve been active in Welsh Labour and the trade union movement since the 1990s. As President of NUS Wales, I worked with Welsh Ministers to deliver the Assembly Learning Grant: putting money directly in the pockets of working-class students.

  • street surgery in fairwater 2025

  • sampling ballots at the count with our gabalfa candidate, Claire o'shea. cardiff council elections 2022

  • back on my old stomping ground. Grangetown by-election 2025

  • defending our nhs and securing mark Drakeford's re-election. canton, cardiff west Senedd election 2021

  • goodbye alun cairns! turning the vale red. general election 2024

  • helping kanishka Narayan. Barry, vale of glamorgan general election 2024

  • street surgery with Penarth councillors, 2025

  • helping Lexi win llanrumney by-election 2025

  • with cardiff central + LGBT labour activists at cardiff pride 2012

  • campaigning with Julie + rhodri Morgan, and suzy Eddie Izzard. butetown 2011

30 years of activism

I’ve stood for council in Caerdydd Penarth twice: in Cathays and in Grangetown, holding the Labour vote steady during a difficult national picture. I’ve campaigned for workers’ rights, recruited members for unions, and taken on the far right.

I’m proud to be a member of the GMB, UNITE and the Co-operative Party, as well as the Socialist Education Association, SERA (the Socialist Environment & Resources Association) and the Socialist Health Association.

Over the last 25 years, I’ve combined political activism with a career in the charity sector, leading organisations, running campaigns, and delivering change.

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“My politics are rooted in equality, solidarity and liberty.

I am a committed devolutionist and long-standing climate campaigner who believes THAT sustainability and social justice must go hand in hand.

I support the recognition of Palestine and Somaliland, and as a proud European, I’m STRONGLY in favour of rejoining the EU.

As your Senedd representative, I’ll bring a relentless focus on delivery: ensuring the promises we make are the promises we keep.

My mission is simple:

I want people to feel the difference WELSH Labour makes.”

I’ve spent my career proving that our Labour values can be turned into practical action.

That’s the experience I will bring to the Senedd

the ability to make change happen.

“I’M NOT STANDING TO TINKER AROUND THE EDGES”

Why i’m

standing

I want to be part of a new generation of Welsh Labour members who deliver lasting transformation.

I’m standing in Caerdydd Penarth because this area means the world to me. My Dad was raised in Cathays, my Grandad worked at the Canton rail depot, and I’ve called these parts home since 1999.

With you, I want to help lead a Labour movement that is open, inclusive and rooted in our communities and workplaces. a movement that wins power and changes lives.”

EXPERIENCE

  • LEADERSHIP IN CHARITY + MUTUAL SECTORS

    For over two decades I’ve held senior leadership roles at Welsh, UK and international levels for organisations including Oxfam, Sustrans, and the Bevan Foundation. I’ve managed large teams, overseen multi-million-pound budgets, and delivered national programmes.

    As a board member of one of Wales’ largest housing associations, I’ve helped turn around a failing social landlord into one of Wales’ best performers; embedding mutual and co-operative values into everyday change residents can feel.

    I know how to lead under pressure, stay true to my values, and deliver results that improve people’s lives.

  • A WINNING CAMPAIGNER

    I helped secure Wales’ first climate change targets, won £60 million for local transport and active travel, and campaigned successfully for votes at 16.

    I’ve campaigned with the GMB and the UNITE to recruit new members. And I received recognition from the Muslim Council of Britain and the Anne Frank Educational Trust for my work combatting Islamophobia and antisemitism.

    Whether it’s large-scale efforts like leading Oxfam UK’s Gaza ceasefire campaign, or working with the Penarth Fair Trade Group, I know how to bring people together, win hearts, and change minds.

  • POLICY EXPERTISE

    I’ve shaped policy and legislation in the Senedd, at Westminster and in Europe. At the Sustainable Development Commission, I worked with Welsh Ministers to lay the foundations for the Well-being of Future Generations Act. I worked with UK Department of Transport officials to secure record funding in the UK Spending Review. And I’ve served on the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, advising Welsh Ministers on the big, long-term decisions for our country faces.

  • A CHAMPION OF EQUALITY

    In every role I’ve held, I’ve led with my Labour values and pushed for fairness. From for advocating union recognition and improving staff conditions; introducing free period products across Sustrans’ UK offices; to making sure equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of decision-making.

    I’ve worked with unions and workers with protected characteristic to deliver safe, inclusive workplaces.

GET INVOLVED

  • volunteer

    Help Steve top the list in Caerdydd Penarth. Giving just an hour or two talking to party members or delivering leaflets will make the difference.

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  • endorse

    Add your name and show your support publicly.

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  • events

    We’ll be holding campaign events across Caerdydd Penarth and on-line. Come along, meet other members, and be part of something bigger.

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i’d love to hear from you.

This campaign isn’t about me: it’s about us. Labour only wins when we stand together, and I’d love to hear from you.