Born in Newport, John is a law graduate and has a diploma in psychology from the University of Wales, Cardiff.  John worked as a lecturer in further and higher education before becoming a solicitor.  A former Gwent County Councillor and Newport Borough Councillor, John is also a member of UNITE and Community trades unions, and the Co-Operative Party.

John's political interests include economic development, social inclusion, education, Europe, sport and sub Saharan Africa. John was recently appointed as Minister for the Environment and Sustainability in the newly re-named Welsh Government, and has previously served as the Counsel General, Deputy Minister for Education, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services and Deputy Economic Development Minister.