Councillor Popham was born in 1947 in Blackburn, Lancashire and educated at Preston Catholic College. Councillor Popham studied physics at Queens College University of Saint Andrews which became the University of Dundee while he was there.

Councillor Popham came to London in 1970 and worked initially for EMI Electronics Ltd. He spent most of working life at the Post Office and then BT initially in IT development and subsequently project managing large IT developments which had impact across the company.

Councillor Popham first stood for election in May 1974 when he contested Mortlake ward in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. He was then elected to that Council representing Barnes ward in 1978 and 1982. Councillor Popham then stood down in 1986.

Councillor Popham was Chairman of the Planning Committee from 1982 to 1984. One of the outside bodies he was on during this period was the Mortlake Crematorium Board.

Councillor Popham was elected to the London Borough of Ealing in 2002 and have represented Cleveland ward ever since. From 2006 to 2008 he was Chairman of the Planning Committee and from 2008 to 2010 served as the Chief Whip. He was Opposition Chief Whip from 2010 until 2012. Since 2012 Councillor Popham has been in the Shadow Cabinet as the opposition Housing spokesman. He is currently on the Mortlake Crematorium Board.

Councillor Popham is married with three grown up children. He cycles round the borough and for the last few years have owned a caravan and spent holidays touring.