The Cabinet

Graham Shaw, Deputy Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Finance

My name is Graham Paul Shaw and I was born in Stoke-on-Trent on the 7 June, 1967.
 

I lived in Knutton for the first 25 years of my life and have since lived in different areas of the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
 

From school, I immediately joined Stoke City FC as an apprentice footballer and made my first team debut at just 18 years of age, scoring in a 3-0 victory over Huddersfield Town. I went on to make nearly 200 appearances for Stoke, winning a Championship medal in 1993, and I also made more than 120 appearances for Preston North End.
 

After football, I qualified as a solicitor and worked in the Criminal Defence departments of several local firms before moving into Sports and Contract law.
 

In 2011 I became CEO of Stockport County FC, before moving into education several years later teaching mathematics.
 

I became the head of mathematics at a local private school near Stone for 10 years before retiring to part time work last year. 
 

Several months ago, I decided to put my name forward for the Newcastle-under-Lyme local elections for Reform UK in the Knutton ward where I grew up.
 

I enjoy watching virtually all sports but especially golf, athletics, football and horse racing. Reading an excellent biography whilst sunbathing on the deck of a Cunard liner is my perfect holiday. But time spent golfing with my sons Jack, 30 and George 28 and being with my one-year- old granddaughter Darla, are the best of times."