He was educated at Ormskirk Grammar School, Wigan Technical College and Liverpool Polytechnic, and in his early life lived in Skelmersdale.

In this role, he implemented free entry for children to galleries and museums, reformed the post-16 system of education and training and trialled a welfare scheme for benefit claimants in Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthsire.

He remained in his post under Michael's successor Rhodri Morgan until October 2000, when he resigned in protest of Labour's coalition agreement with the Liberal Democrats.

Middlehurst was re-elected alongside Bernie in the 1991 local elections and also served as the chair of the council's housing committee.

[3][22] In May 1997, he persuaded Terry Hands to become its director and draw up a plan to secure its future, helping to successfully save the theatre.

[26][27] In December 1997, Middlehurst announced that the government had allowed the council to implement more tax rises, meaning that services would not need to be cut in 1998 and 1999 like in the previous two years.

[29] On 4 December 1998, Middlehurst was shortlisted for Labour's prospective candidacy in the constituency of Alyn and Deeside in the first election to the soon-to-be established National Assembly for Wales.

At the time, he refused to be drawn on his future as Leader of Flintshire County Council should he be elected to the National Assembly.

[3] The constituency had a voter turnout of 32%, the lowest in Wales; it had voted against establishing a devolved assembly in the 1997 devolution referendum by a wide margin.

[31][3] In an interview for the Flint and Holywell Chronicle on 14 May, Middlehurst said the low voter turnout showed that his constituents still did not see the new assembly as having any relevance.

[32] At the election, Labour on a national level won the most seats in the assembly but fell short of securing an absolute majority.

Labour leader Alun Michael mooted a potential coalition with the Liberal Democrats which would give his administration a majority in the assembly.

"[31] In the event, Michael chose to dismiss a coalition and after being confirmed as First Secretary of Wales formed a Labour minority administration.

[3][39] Supporters of his appointment noted that Middlehurst was not opposed to the promotion of Welsh like other members of the assembly, and that four in five people in Wales at the time also could not speak the language.

Middlehurst viewed these overlapping responsibilities as "an opportunity […] to consider major issues affecting Wales in a holistic rather than isolated way".

The unions also argued that local education authorities should continue to hold an important role in funding sixth forms.

[49][50] In November 1999, Middlehurst launched a trial programme for welfare benefits called ONE in Newport, Torfaen and Monmouthsire with Labour MP David Hanson.

[53] In September 1999, reports that the completion of the Wales Millennium Centre would be delayed by nine months to 2002 led to calls for Middlehurst to clarify the timetable for its opening.

[60] On the formation of Morgan's new administration in February 2000, Middlehurst remained in the cabinet as Assembly Secretary for Education and Training.

This prompted speculation over the potential dismissals of Middlehurst and Rosemary Butler later in the year, as it was possible that Morgan would formally merge their education portfolios in the cabinet.

[64][65] The deal was announced on 5 October and entitled the Liberal Democrats to two cabinet seats and several policy concessions including significant changes to education.

I cannot forget how they conspired with the Tories and the Nationalists to censure Christine Gwyther on wholly spurious grounds and then committed the ultimate act of treachery in aiding and abetting the downfall of Alun Michael.

[67][68] He also said he was unable to trust them as political allies after they had worked with the other opposition parties to censure Christine Gwyther and force Alun Michael's resignation, the latter of which he described as the "ultimate act of treachery".

He also reaffirmed his disapproval of Labour's coalition with the Liberal Democrats, stating that it had given the latter "influence and power disproportionate to their number".

Other stated reasons for his retirement included the "demanding" journey from his constituency to the location of the assembly in Cardiff and personal issues relating to his family.

For the remainder of his term, Middlehurst said he would continue to support Rhodri Morgan as first secretary and remain "committed to devolution".

[76][77] In a letter to WalesOnline following the 2009 Welsh Labour leadership election, Middlehurst voiced his opposition to a proposed minister for North Wales.

He is a supporter of Everton Football Club and enjoys rugby league, theatre and crown green bowling.