Member for Rhondda since 2001. Committees: Member, Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the House of Commons since 2001; Joint Committee, Lords and Commons on Reform of the House of Lords. Political career: Chair, Labour Movement of Europe since 2002; Parliamentary Candidate for Wycombe 1997; LP Local Government Development Officer 1993; Election Agent for Frank Dobson 1991; Chair, Christian Socialist Movement and Councillor of London Borough of Hackney 1983-8. Profession/Trade: Curate; youth chaplain; Head of European affairs, BBC. Education: Mansfield College, Oxford, BA 2:1 English; Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Theology; Ordained, Church of England 1986. Affiliations: Associate, National Youth Theatre of Great Britain; Member, Co-op Party, Amnesty International, MSF Union, Fabians. Languages spoken: Spanish (fluent); French (good). Author of: biographies of Glenda Jackson and Stafford Cripps; Possible Dreams.
b. 1962, Cardiff.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	21,198	68.1	-0.3	23,230	68.3
Plaid Cymru	4,956	15.9	-5.2	7,183	21.1
Lib Dem	3,264	10.5	6.0	1,525	4.5
Conservative	1,730	5.6	1.0	1,557	4.6
Independent	-	-		507	1.5
Majority	16,242	52.1		16,047	47.2
Turnout	31,148	61.0	0.3	34,002	60.7