Member for Stroud since 1997. Committees: Member, DEFRA Select Committee since 2001; Member, Agriculture Select Committee 1999-2001; Member, Modernisation of House of Commons Select Committee 1998-2000; Member, Procedure Select Committee 1997-1999. Political career: Member, Gloucestershire County Council 1993-97; Member, Stroud District Council 1987-95; Member, Stonehouse Town Council since 1987. Special political interests: Rural issues, health, poverty, housing, social enterprise, co-operation and mutuality, international development. Profession/Trade: Teacher/lecturer. Education: University of Nottingham, BA; University of Birmingham, PGCE; University of West of England, MA, MEd. Affiliations: Chair, Christian Socialist Movement; Friends of the Earth; CPRE; Age Concern; Gloucestershire Association for Disability Care and Repair. Hobbies: Watching sport, reading.
b. 13 April 1952, South Gloucestershire. Married with four children.