[1] He has a degree in contemporary military and international history (2008) from the University of Salford, where he was president of the students' union in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.

He returned to the university in 2013 to take up the post of head of the Vice-Chancellor's office, and in 2018 became the associate director of external relations.

He received 181,314 votes (51.3%) in total, defeating the incumbent, Labour's Clive Grunshaw.

[4] He was previously a member of Lancashire County Council representing Hoghton with Wheelton ward in the borough of Chorley.

[5] He was elected to serve as Member of Parliament for Fylde with a majority of 561 votes.