Member for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2001. Committees: Member, Public Administration. Political career: Councillor, Oldham MBC 1992-2004. Special political interests: Social policy, economic regeneration, local and regional government. Profession/Trade: Public and voluntary sector. Education: Blackley Technical High School; Open University, BA Social Sciences. Affiliations: UNISON.
b. 2 April 1946, Manchester. Married with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	21,211	57.4	-5.1	22,340	62.5
Conservative	7,259	19.6	0.6	6,822	19.1
Lib Dem	5,108	13.8	2.0	4,237	11.8
BNP	2,051	5.6	1.0	1,617	4.5
UKIP	768	2.1	-	-	-
LCP	570	1.5	-	-	-
Green	-	-		748	2.1
Majority	13,952	37.7		15,518	43.4
Turnout	36,967	51.3	2.2	35,764	49.1