Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central since 1983. Committees: Treasury and Civil Services Select Committee 1983-86. Political career: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage 1997-98; Spokesperson on the Arts 1993-97; Spokesperson on Citizens' Charter and Open Government 1992-93; Spokesperson on the Arts and Media 1987-92; Opposition Whip 1985-87; Member, Staffordshire County Council 1981-85; Parliamentary Candidate for Leek 1979. Profession/Trade: former film producer, writer, Principal of Tattenhall Centre. Title/Honours/Decorations: Honorary Fellow, Royal Institute of British Architects and Royal College of Art. Education: Eton; Cambridge University. Affiliations: Trustee, Education Extra 1993-97; Council, Policy Studies Institute 1989-96; BBC General Advisory Council 1988-96; Deputy Pro-Chancellor, Keele University 1987-97; Member, NUT; Socialist Educational Association.
b. 29 October 1944. Four children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	14,760	52.9	-7.7	17,170	60.7
Conservative	4,823	17.3	-1.6	5,325	18.8
Lib Dem	4,986	17.9	3.3	4,148	14.7
BNP	2,178	7.8	7.8	-	-
UKIP	914	3.3	3.3	-	-
Soc Alt	246	0.9	0.9	-	-
Independent	-	-	-	1,657	5.9
Majority	9,774	35		11,845	41.9
Turnout	27,907	48.4	1	28,300	47.4