Jeff moved to the area from the North East in 1989 and joined the council ten years later. For many years he was Vice Chairman of the council and has also chaired most committees of the council during the intervening period. In addition, he is Chairman of the Friends of Longdale that organises the annual Drayton Fete and Vice Chairman of the national organisation, Bus Users UK, that represents bus passengers. Jeff is a Newcastle United supporter and is now retired and living with his wife in Thorpe Marriott. His two sons, their wives and children live locally.