Sam Coates is 22 and was born and bred in Cardiff. He went to school in Birchgrove and Whitchurch before completing a degree in history and politics at Cardiff University. Whilst there, he campaigned against University investments in the arms trade and for the institution to employ a full-time environmental manager. He has just been elected Ethical and Environmental Officer at Cardiff Students' Union, and is currently studying for a Masters degree in Regeneration Studies.