Member for Leigh since 2001. Committees: Member, Health Select Committee. Political career: Special Advisor to Chris Smith, Secretary of State 1998-2001; Researcher to Tessa Jowell MP 1994-97. Special political interests: Sports, especially football. Profession/Trade: Political advisor. Education: St Aelred's High School; Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.
b. 7 January 1970. Married with one son.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	23,097	63.3	-1.2	22,783	64.5
Conservative	5,825	16.0	-2.2	6,421	18.2
Lib Dem	4,962	13.6	0.8	4,524	12.8
Community Action	2,189	6	-	-	-
L Cannabis	415	1.1	-	-	-
Soc Lab	-	-	-	820	2.3
UKIP	-	-	-	750	2.1
Majority	17,272	47.3		16,362	46.4
Turnout	36,488	50.3	0.6	35,298	49.7