Member for Sheffield, Brightside since 1987. Political career: Home Secretary 2001-04; Secretary of State for Education and Employment since 1997; Shadow Secretary of State for Education 1994-97; Member, Labour Party National Executive 1983-98; Chair of the Labour Party 1993-94, Vice-Chair 1992-93; elected to Shadow Cabinet 1992 as Shadow Secretary for Health; Local Government Spokesperson 1988-92; Leader of Sheffield City Council 1980-87, Councillor 1970-88; South Yorkshire County Councillor 1973-77; Parliamentary Candidate for Sheffield, Hallam 1974. Special political interests: Local government, education, employment, health, social services, economic and industrial policy. Profession/Trade: Gas Board worker; industrial tutor. Education: Royal National College for the Blind, Shrewsbury; Richmond College of Further Education, Sheffield; Sheffield University; Huddersfield College of Education (Technical). Affiliations: UNISON; Member, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Socialist Health Association, Socialist Education Association. Hobbies: Poetry, walking, sailing.
b. 6 June 1947. Divorced with three children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	16,876	68.5	-8.4	19,650	76.9
Lib Dem	3,232	13.1	4.4	2,238	8.8
Conservative	2,205	9.	-1.2	2,601	10.2
BNP	1,537	6.2	-	-	-
UKIP	779	3.2	1.8	348	1.4
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	361	1.4
Soc Lab	-	-	-	354	1.4
Majority	13,644	55.4		17,049	66.7
Turnout	24,629	47.9	1.2	25,552	46.7