Member for Coventry South since 1997. Committees: Member, Select Committee Lord Chancellor's Department since 2003; Member, Trade Industry Select Committee 1997-2001; Member, Home Affairs Select Committee 1993-97. Political career: Councillor, Coventry City Council 1972-92; Chair, West Midlands Joint Committee 1991-92; Leader, Coventry City Council 1988-92, Deputy Leader 1987-88; Chief Whip, Labour Group 1985-87. Special political interests: The economy. Profession/Trade: Engineer. Education: St Columbia High School; Tilicoultry Trade Union College. Affiliations: Trade union. Hobbies: Reading, walking.
b. 4 February 1941. Married with four children (two stepchildren).

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,649	45.8	-4.4	20,125	50.2
Conservative	12,394	30.5	0.9	11,846	29.5
Lib Dem	7,228	17.8	3.6	5,672	14.1
Soc Alliance	1,097	2.7	2.7	1,475	3.7
Independent	344	0.9	-0.6	564	1.4
UK Independence Party	829	2.0	-	-	-
familiesfirst.uk.net	144	0.4	-	-	-
Soc Lab	-	-	-	414	1
Majority	6,255	15.4		8,279	20.6
Turnout	40,685	59.1	3.8	40,096	55.3