John was born in 1963. He was educated at Finchley Manorhill School, and the University of Essex where he graduated in 1985 with a First Class Honours in Government.

John married Sally in December 2002. They are now the proud parents of Oliver, born in December 2003, Freddie, born in November 2005 and Jemima, born in April 2008.

Outside of politics, John enjoys tennis, squash, swimming, reading and music. He is a qualified lawn tennis coach.