Peter has been Leader of Wakefield MDC since 1998.  He was formerly Chairman of the Council’s Employment and Economic Development Committee.  He is also a former Chair of the Labour Group.

He was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield and until recently worked as a Legal Executive specialising in Probate and Trust work.

Peter is an active member of the Labour Party and is Vice Chair of the Party’s Regional Board.  He is also a member of the National Policy Forum - the Labour Party’s policymaking body.

Peter is Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly and a member of the Government's Northern Way Steering Group.  He is also a trustee of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.  He carries out CPA inspections on behalf of the Audit Commission.

Peter’s interests include gardening, music, Irish literature and art deco.  He has a son and two grandchildren.