Member for Newport West since 1987. Political career: Spectator Backbencher of the Year 1996; Frontbench Social Security Spokesperson 1988-90; appointed Member of Opposition Welsh Affairs Frontbench Team 1988; Gwent County Councillor 1972-83; Newport Borough Councillor 1972-81; Parliamentary Candidate for Denbigh 1974; Deputy Leader of Council; Chair, Special Education and Transport Committees. Special political interests: Environment, drugs misuse campaigner, Europe, pensioners' rights. Profession/Trade: Chemist in steel industry; researcher. Education: St Illtyd's College, Cardiff; University College, Cardiff. Affiliations: Founder Member, Ringland Labour Club and George Shell Society; previously Member of Broadcasting Council for Wales and the South Wales Docks Board. Author of: Caught in the Rigging (2000); Dragons Led by Poodles (1999); Baglu Mlaen-(Staggering Forward) (1998); How to be a Backbencher (1997).
b. 9 February 1935, Cardiff. Married with three children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	16,021	44.8	-7.9	18,489	52.7
Conservative	10,563	29.6	3.4	9,185	26.2
Lib Dem	6,398	17.9	6.2	4,095	11.7
Plaid Cymru	1,278	3.6	-3.6	2,510	7.2
UKIP	848	2.4	0.9	506	1.4
Green	540	1.5	-	-	-
Independent	84	0.2	-	-	-
BNP	-	-	-	278	0.8
Majority	5,458	15.3		9,304	26.5
Turnout	35,732	59.3	0.6	35,063	58.7