Political career: Prime Minister, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service since 27th June 2007; Chancellor of the Exchequer 1997 - 2007; Privy Counsellor 1996; Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer 1992-97; Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 1989-92; Frontbench Spokesperson on Treasury Affairs since 1987; Chair, Scottish Labour Party and Member of its Executive Committee since 1977; Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1987-89; Chair, Labour Party, Scottish Council Health and Social Services Committee 1979-83; Parliamentary Candidate for Edinburgh South 1979. Special political interests: Scotland. Profession/Trade: Lecturer, University of Edinburgh and Glasgow College of Technology; journalist with Scottish Television 1980-83. Education: Kirkcaldy High School; Edinburgh University, MA, PhD, Second Student Rector. Affiliations: TGWU; Rector, University of Edinburgh 1972-75. Author of: Values Visions and Voices - A Socialist Anthology (1995); Where There is Greed (1989); Maxton (1986); Scotland: The Real Divide (1983); Nationality and Devolution (1980). Hobbies: Reading, writing, tennis and football.
b. 20 February 1951.