Harrison was brought up in Longbenton and started his working life as an apprentice at Parsons, before spending three years in the merchant navy.

[citation needed] Harrison was first elected to North Tyneside Council in 1982 to the new seat of Weetslade ward.

[6] Following Harrison's election as Mayor a by-election was held for his vacated seat in Weetslade ward which was won by the Conservative Duncan McLellan.

[10] In 2007 he put forward a motion to grant Freedom of the Borough of North Tyneside to Wallsend Boys Club.

[15] Upon Labour regaining control of North Tyneside Council with the election of Norma Redfearn in 2013, Harrison was invited to serve in the Cabinet which he did until being dismissed in May 2018.