Michel was born in 1955, of Mauritian parents. He was brought up and educated in Harlesden, North London. He started work in 1973 for the London Borough of Brent, as a clerical assistant in the Insurance Section of the Finance Department. After a few months Michel decided he needed to obtain some qualifications, so commenced his studies, part time, to become an accountant. After qualifying, the study bug got to him and he continued his part time studies with several Universities to obtain various qualifications over the following decades.

Over the years Michel moved jobs, always in local government in London. He was appointed as chief executive of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in 1996, a position he retained until he retired in May 2017. Michel is married to Maureen and they live in Watford, Hertfordshire. Michel likes to keep fit and healthy and enjoys practising yoga regularly, walking, dancing, music reading, and, of course, holidays to exotic locations!

He was appointed as a magistrate in 2008, sitting on the West and Central Hertfordshire Bench and takes active part in the work of the Bench. Michel is Hon. Treasurer for many organisations, and of course tries to devote as much of his energies as he can to the Tylers & Bricklayers, ably supported by Maureen.