Inspiration:

Born into a close knit, working class family, I was inspired at a young age to become involved in the Labour movement after experiencing the impact of Thatcherite economic policies, their devastation of our manufacturing base, and starvation of funds for our public services.  I remember the Miners' Strike being a massive influence as well as Neil Kinnock's courageous leadership of the Labour Party through those difficult times.  The selfish 'me and now' politics of the 1980's really left its mark on me.
   
I believe that the only limit to achievement in a fair society should be aspiration. I get angry about injustice, about corporate greed, about people who should know better yet choose to ignore health & safety rules, good employment practices and everyone's right to dignity and a fair chance - it is these things that inspire me.

I see the law as a tool to be used to the advantage of the people I am instructed to represent.  It needs to be used for trade unions and the man on the street as effectively as it gets used by big corporations.  We even up the fight - it's important that those of us who are committed to the Labour movement do our bit to level out the playing field.

Qualified:

1998

Specialises in:

Claimant Personal Injury work

Career with Morrish Solicitors:

I work exclusively on behalf of trade unions and their members. I am totally committed to representing accident victims and the interests of working people and have successfully pursued a diverse mix of claims, including those of very high value, on their behalf. 

I became a Partner and Head of Client Relations at the firm in 2002 and am now responsible for ensuring that all of our trade union clients receive the high level of service that they rightly expect from us.
 
I am involved in the wider Labour movement at a local, regional and national level.  I am Chair of my local CLP and was honoured to receive the Party's 'Best Campaign in a Key Seat' award for the 2005 General Election.  I represent my Region on the Labour Party's National Policy Forum and all UK Labour Party members on the Joint Policy Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister.

I am an active member of Unite and am Chair of my local Branch.

Interests:

Keen follower of the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League team.  Play squash (badly) and enjoy political debate, even better if accompanied by good food and a nice bottle of red wine.

Heroes :

It has been a privilege to work with some hugely talented and committed people, who, whilst often unrecognised, work to make a difference to people's lives - these are the true heroes.
 
Other modern day heroes would include Neil Kinnock for his selfless political courage and ability to captivate an audience with brilliant oratory, Nelson Mandela for his humility and determination and former President Jimmy Carter, who I had the privilege of accompanying to the Middle East a couple of years ago - he is totally dedicated to finding peace in the Region.

Associated Media Files:

Colombian Activist Salutes Morrish Solicitors

Editorial Comment in 'Progress Online'

Jack Jones, 1913 - 2009

Jamie Hanley Champions Pleural Plaques Sufferers

Employment Liability Insurance Bureau