In 2011, Photios was identified as a key member of both Liberal leader Barry O'Farrell's kitchen cabinet and inner circle going into government.
After five years, Michael separated from Janice and married fashion designer Mela Purdie, with whom he has one son.
On 21 October 2009, the Daily Telegraph reported that Photios was dating younger woman, Kristina Iantchev.
Photios, then 50, was reported as commenting in response that "There is too much mediocrity and boredom in politics...we should all get a life...If I've been known to go to a party or two, I'm happy to go to another.
[3] A year later, Photios announced his engagement to Iantchev and they married on 2 October 2011 in Phuket, Thailand.