Member for Weaver Vale since 1997. Committees: Member Public Accounts Committee 1992-97; Member, Select Committee on Modernisation 1997-98. Political career: Assistant Government Whip since 1998; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ann Taylor, Leader of the House and President of the Council 1997-98; MP for Warrington South 1992-97; Member, Warrington Borough Council 1979-93; Chair, Policy and Resources Committee 1985-92; Leader of the Council 1985-92, and Deputy Leader 1984-85; Chair, Environmental Health Committee 1981-84; Chair, Finance Subcommittee 1984-85. Special political interests: Poverty, education, environment, local government. Profession/Trade: Teacher. Education: Teacher's Certificate, BEd (Hons). Hobbies: Cooking, tennis, reading.
b. 20 September 1952, Ashton-under-Lyne. Married with one child.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,759	47.6	-4.9	20,611	52.5
Conservative	11,904	30.2	2.3	10,974	27.9
Lib Dem	7,723	19.6	5.2	5,643	14.4
UKIP	1,034	2.6	1.2	559	1.4
Independent	-	-	-	1,484	3.8
Majority	6,855	17.4		9,637	24.5
Turnout	39,420	57.1	-0.5	39,271	57.6