Member for Liverpool, Walton since 1991 by-election. Political career: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence since 1999; Opposition Education Spokesperson 1994-97; Chair, North West Group of Parliamentary Labour Party 1993-94; Opposition Whip 1992-94; North West Regional Organiser 1985-91. Special political interests: Foreign and Commonwealth affairs, education and employment issues. Education: St Edward's, Liverpool; University of Durham; Christ College, Liverpool. Affiliations: Member, MSF; Socialist Health Association; Co-operative Party. Hobbies: Watching football and rugby, reading, music.
Married with five children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,322	72.8	-5.1	22,143	77.8
Lib Dem	4,365	15.6	1.1	4,147	14.6
Conservative	1,655	5.9	-0.1	1,726	6.1
UKIP	1,108	4.0	2.4	442	1.6
Liberal Party	480	1.7	-	-	-
Majority	15,957	57.1	-	17,996	63.2
Turnout	27,930	45.0	2.0	28,458	43