Member for Barnsley Central since 1987. Committees: Member, Select Committee on Energy 1987-91, Television Proceedings of the House of Commons 1988-91, Procedure 1991, Foreign Affairs 1997, Environment and Social Security Backbench Committees. Political career: Opposition Spokesperson on Northern Ireland 1995-97, Health 1994-95; Shadow Minister for Local Government 1994; Opposition Whip 1991-94. Special political interests: Social security, trade unions, foreign affairs. Education: Barnsley Holgate Grammar School; Barnsley College of Technolgy; University of Leeds. Hobbies: Gymnasium, cinema, golf.
b. 9 April 1955, Barnsley, Yorkshire. Married with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	17,478	61.1	-8.6	19,181	69.6
Lib Dem	4,746	16.6	1.9	4,051	14.7
Conservative	3,813	13.3	0.2	3,608	13.1
BNP	1,403	4.9	-	-	-
Independent	1,175	4.1	-	-	-
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	703	2.6
Majority	12,732	44.5	-	15,130	54.9
Turnout	28,615	47.2	1.4	27,543	45.8