my story

about me

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’s like to fight to be seen, heard and get on. That’s why I believe opportunity, real opportunity, must be the birthright of everyone in Wales.

30 years

activism

I’m proud to be a member of GMB, UNITE and the Co-operative Party, as well as the Socialist Education Association, SERA (the Socialist Environment & Resources Association) and the Social 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. At Oxfam, I helped set up the Wales & Africa programme and worked to make Wales the world’s first Fair Trade Nation. At Sustrans, I secured £60m for local transport. At the Electoral Reform Society, I successfully campaigned for votes at 16 and greater diversity in public life.

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.

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.

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.

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

I am a committed devolutionist and long-standing climate campaigner who believes 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.”

WHY I’M

STANDING

“I’m not standing to tinker around the edges.

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 of Cardiff 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 the charity sector

    For over two decades I’ve held senior roles at Oxfam, Sustrans, and the Electoral Reform Society, managing teams, multi-million-pound budgets, and national campaigns. I know how to lead under pressure and how to deliver results that improve people’s lives.

  • policy and campaigning know-how

    I helped secure Wales’ first climate change targets, won £60 million for local transport and active travel, and campaigned successfully for votes at 16. From Gaza ceasefire campaigns to Fair Trade, I’ve shown how to turn values into impact.

  • infra-structure + housing expertise

    I’ve served on the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, advising Ministers on the big, long-term decisions for our country. 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.

  • champion of equality

    In every role I’ve pushed for fairness: from advocating union recognition and improving staff conditions, to making sure equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of decision-making.

“I’ve spent my career proving that our Labour values of fairness, equality and solidarity can be turned into practical action.

That’s the experience I will bring to the Senedd: the ability to make change happen.”

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.

    Help out

  • endorse

    Add your name and show your support publicly.

    Add your name

  • events

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

    find out more

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.