Member for Hanark and Hamilton East since 2005. Member for Clydesdale since 1987. Committees: Member, Select Committee on Defence 1997-2001; Chair, European Legislation 1992-98; Chair, European Scrutiny since 1998; Member, Liaison Committee since 1997; Member, Chairmen's Panel since 1997; Member, Select Committee on European Legislation 1987-97. Political career: Sponsor, Private Members' Bill on School Transport Safety 1994; Sponsor of three Private Members' Bills on under-age drinking and Bill on Myaloic Encephalomyeltis (ME); Member, Scottish Executive of the Labour Party; Member, Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme. Special political interests: Local government, industrial relations, coal industry, home affairs, Europe, alcohol abuse. Profession/Trade: Miner; coal-face engineer. Education: Lesmaghow Higher Grade School; Coatbridge Technical College; University of Nottingham WEA. Affiliations: Fellow of the Industry and Parliament Trust; Chair, Miners' Parliamentary Group 1991-92 and Vice-Chair 1990-91; a leader of Nottinghamshire striking miners 1984-85; NUM Branch President and Secretary 1973-84.
b. 16 May 1948. Married with a two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,072	46	-	17,822	46.6
Lib Dem	8,125	18.6	-	4,111	10.8
SNP	7,746	17.8	-	10,028	26.2
Conservative	5,576	12.8	-	5,034	13.2
Scot Soci	802	1.8	-	974	2.5
UKIP	437	1	-	253	0.7
Independent	416	1	-	-	-
Christian Vote	415	1	-	-	-
Majority	11,947	27.4	-	7,794	20.4
Turnout	43,589	59.1	-	38,222	59.3