Member for Neath since 1991 by-election. Political career: Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs since 1999; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office 1997-99; Labour Shadow Employment Spokesman 1996-97; Labour Opposition Whip 1995-96; Parliamentary Candidate for Putney 1983 and 1987; joined Labour Party in 1977; Delegation to China 1980 and USA 1972. Special political interests: Economic and industrial affairs. Profession/Trade: Former Head of Research, Union of Communications Workers. Education: London University, BSc Economics; University of Sussex, MPhil. Affiliations: Member, GMB, Co-op, Fabian Society, CND; Board of Directors, Tribune Newspaper Group; National Leadership in Stop the Seventy Tour 1969-70, Young Liberals 1970-73. Author of: fifteen books. Hobbies: Rugby, soccer, cricket, rock and folk music.
b. 1950. Separated with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,835	52.6	-8.1	21,253	60.7
Plaid Cymru	6,125	17.1	-1.3	6,437	18.4
Lib Dem	5,112	14.3	4.8	3,335	9.5
Conservative	4,136	11.6	2.1	3,310	9.5
Green	658	1.8	-	-	-
Independent	360	1.0	-	-	-
L Cannabis	334	0.9	-	-	-
Respect	257	0.7	-	-	-
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	483	1.4
ProLife Alliance	-	-	-	202	0.6
Majority	12,710	35.5		14,816	42.3
Turnout	35,817	62.2	-0.2	35,020	62.4