Member for Barnsley East and Mexborough since 1997. Political career: Parliamentary Private Secretary to Minister of State for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities, Tessa Jowell since 1997; MP for Barnsley East (by-election) 1996-97; Leader, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council 1995-96; Councillor, Barnsley Council 1980-96. Special political interests: Local government, health issues, education, the fire service. Profession/Trade: Teacher, Hillsborough Primary School, Sheffield, 1979-96.
Education: Hemsworth Grammar School; Redland College, Bristol, BEd (Hons). Affiliations: Member, Co-operative Party, TGWU. Hobbies: Family activities, hill walking, swimming, most sports, supporter of Barnsley Football Club.
b. 13 November 1952. Married with three children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,779	62.9	-4.6	21,945	67.5
Lib Dem	6,654	20.2	4.3	5,156	15.9
Conservative	4,853	14.7	2.3	4,024	12.4
Soc Lab	740	2.2	0.0	722	2.2
UKIP	-	-	-	662	2
Majority	14,125	42.8	-	16,789	51.6
Turnout	33,026	49.3	-0.2	32,509	49.5