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Over the past 25 years, Andy has represented the Party at every level, from CLP Secretary to Secretary of State. He first began attending meetings when he was 14, a full year before he was allowed to join the Party. Born and raised in Merseyside, Andy saw first-hand what real ‘broken Britain’ looks like and wanted to play his part in changing it.

Thanks to his own determination and the support of his parents, Andy won a place at Cambridge University, after which, he joined Tessa Jowell’s team in Parliament. After the 1997 election he joined the NHS Confederation, but it wasn’t long before his passion for football took over, and he spent the next year working at the Football Taskforce.

He then became Special Adviser to Chris Smith at the Department of Culture, Media & Sport, returning to the north west and being elected as Leigh’s MP in 2001. As a member of the Health Select Committee, Andy earned the respect of health professionals and patients alike.

Ministerial responsibilities followed in 2005, when he joined Home Office, rising swiftly to Minister of State at the Department of Health. In 2007, Andy joined the Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, becoming Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport in 2008.

His tenure there lasted 18 months, when he returned to the Department of Health as Secretary of State. Andy is married and a proud father to three children.