Member for Rossendale and Darwen since 1992. Political career: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting since 1998; Vice-Chamberlain of HM Treasury (Whip) since 1997; Parliamentary Candidate for Rosssendale and Darwen 1987; former Researcher for Barbara Castle, Jack Straw and Gordon Brown; Campaigns Officer, Parliamentary Labour Party; Chair, All-Party Footwear Group; Member, Labour Women's Network Steering Committee; Member, Home Affairs Select Committee; Treasurer, All-Party Opera Group; Campaigns Co-ordinator, Shadow Home Affairs Team; Opposition Whip, Home and Legal Affairs; Shadow Minister for Women. Special political interests: Health, home affairs, education, industrial policy, regional policy. Profession/Trade: Secretary. Education: Kingsfield Comprehensive; Polytechnic of Central London. Affiliations: founder Member, Emily's List UK; Tribune Group of Labour MPs; Amnesty International; Anti-Apartheid; Fabian Society; Fellow, Royal Society for the Arts. Hobbies: Playing the piano, opera, swimming, tennis, family.
b. 6 December 1949, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Three children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	19,073	42.9	-5.8	20,251	49
Conservative	15,397	34.7	-2.1	15,028	36.3
Lib Dem	6,670	15.0	0.4	6,079	14.7
BNP	1,736	3.9	-	-	-
Green	821	1.9	-	-	-
UKIP	740	1.7	-	-	-
Majority	3,676	8.3		4,970	11.9
Turnout	44,437	61.5	2.3	41,611	59.2