John Knight is 48 and married, with a child who goes to the local state primary school. Originally from Stockport, he has lived in Macclesfield for eight years. An Open University graduate, he has worked at a trade union head office for 24 years. He campaigned against the closure of Macclesfield Hospital maternity and children's inpatient services, and is currently speaking out against the Poynton north bypass which threatens to devastate Norbury Hollow, a local beauty spot. He is also calling for the local BAE workforce to be employed in the development of public transport systems rather than being made redundant.