Member for Wallasey since 1992. Committees: Member, CLP General Committee. Political career: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security since 1999; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Environment, Transport and the Regions 1997-99; Secretary, Peckham CLP 1989-91 (Chair, Women's Section); Former Chair, Oxford University Fabian Society. Special political interests: NHS, the economy, industrial relations, social services, the politics of sport. Profession/Trade: Former Parliamentary Liaison Officer for UNISON. Education: Formby High School; St John's College, Oxford. Affiliations: Co-operative Party. Hobbies: Chess (played at junior international level), cricket, cinema, photography, music.
b. 17 February 1961, Bridlington.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,085	54.8	-6.1	22,718	60.8
Conservative	10,976	29.9	2.0	10,442	28
Lib Dem	4,770	13.0	1.8	4,186	11.2
UKIP	840	2.3	-	-	-
Majority	9,109	24.8		12,276	32.9
Turnout	36,671	57.5	-0.1	37,346	57.6