Matthew was born in 1963 and spent his formative years in Newport. After studying Hotel & Catering Management at Thames Valley University, he held management positions in both London and the Midlands before returning to Newport to set up his own business in 1990. The business, Matt Snax Caterers, became a very successful corporate supplier. The business was sold as a going concern.

Matthew lives in Newport West and is married to Tina, a Regional Director with an international construction consultancy group. They have two children, Bethan and Jessica, who attend the local schools.

Outside of politics, Matthew is a keen supporter of Newport Rugby Club (through good times and bad!)  He is a past captain of Stow Park Lawn Tennis Club, a member of Newport Golf Club, Friend of the Newport Ship and member of the 104 Regiment Luncheon Club. His love of beer and good food demands that he is also a member of Bannatyne’s Health and Fitness Club.

Political Biography

Matthew first became involved in local politics when he actively campaigned to stop the closure of a local nursery school. He was elected to Newport City Council in May 1999, taking the Allt-yr-yn ward from Labour at his first attempt.

In 2003 he stood in the Welsh Assembly elections for Newport East where he significantly reduced the Labour majority, coming a credible second.

In 2004 he was re-elected to Newport City Council with a substantially increased majority. He was also elected Conservative Group Leader (Leader of the Opposition).

In 2007 he stood in Newport West at the Assembly Elections dramatically reducing Labour's majority to just 1,400 votes.

As well as serving on various committees, he is a governor at two local schools.

His dislike of bus lanes, political correctness and bureaucrats are well known!