Member for Stoke-on-Trent South since 2005. Political career: Councillor, Birmingham City Council, Longbridge Ward 2002–04. Special political interests: Education, treasury matters, defence, transport. Profession/Trade: Former CEO of Birmingham-based children's charity; tax and finance specialist (own company) and international accountancy firms. Education: BSc (Hons) Chemistry. Languages spoken: French (a little), Italian. Affiliations: Chartered Tax Advisor and Associate of the Society of Financial Planners; Co-operative Party, TGWU, Amicus. Hobbies: Reading, running.
b. 14 January 1966. Married with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	17,727	46.9	-6.9	19,366	53.8
Conservative	9,046	23.9	-0.7	8,877	24.6
Lib Dem	5,894	15.6	2.5	4,724	13.1
BNP	3,305	8.7	4.9	1,358	3.8
UKIP	1,043	2.8	2.8	-	-
Veritas	805	2.1	2.1	-	-
Independent	-	-	-	1,703	4.7
Majority	8,681	23		10,489	29.1
Turnout	37,820	53.6	2.2	36,028	51.4