John was brought up in North Manchester and has lived in Rochdale for most of his adult life. He is married to Joanne and has two adult children. He is a solicitor and partner in a small high street firm in Oldham.
Masonically, John was initiated into Commemoration Lodge No.3887 meeting in Manchester in 1989 and served as WM in 1995. Regrettably Commemoration subsequently handed in its warrant and John is currently a member of Duke of Connaught Lodge No.3264, also meeting in Manchester.

John received his first provincial rank as an Acting Provincial Assistant Grand Registrar in 2002, was promoted to acting Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar in 2010 and became the Provincial Grand Registrar in 2011, a role he held until 2013 when he was appointed Senior Warden of the Province. In 2018 John received Grand rank as a Past Assistant Grand Registrar.

John joined Royal Arch in 2001 when he was exalted into Tudor Chapter No.277 in Oldham. Unfortunately he had to leave when The Union Club in Oldham closed and joined Alexandra Chapter No.993 in 2003. He became Z in 2006 and remains a member today. Provincially, Johns first appointment was as Acting Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 2008, followed by Provincial Deputy Grand Registrar in 20120 and then Provincial Grand Registrar from 2011 until 2019. In 2018 John was appointed Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter.

John has also served as chairman of the Provincial Education and Development committee and Chairman of the Manchester Masonic Centre Ltd.
In Mark, John was advanced into Manchester Engineers No.1059 meeting at Manchester in 2006. He served as WM in 2015 and remains a member. In province he was appointed a Provincial Steward in 2018, Provincial Grand Junior Deacon in 2022 and Provincial Grand Senior Warden in 2023.

In Ram, John was Elevated into Manchester Engineers RAM in 2012 and served as WC in 2018 and 2019. In 2023 he received RAM Provincial Grand Rank.
John has volunteered in the Charity sector for 25 years, serving variously as a School Governor, Chair of Governors, Board member of a Housing Association and Director of a Multi Academy Trust.