Member for Beckenham since November 1997 by-election. Committees: Member, Deregulation Select Committee, Science and Technology Select Committee. Political career: Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland since 2002; Frontbench Spokesperson, Pensions 2000-01; Assistant Government Whip 1996-97; Parliamentary Private Secretary of State for Wales 1996-97. Profession/Trade: Established and ran a parliamentary consultancy 1984-92; PR in jute industry, Dundee; Government Information Officer, Scottish Office 1974-80; Parliamentary Advisor, Chemical Industries 1980. Education: Paisley Grammar School; University of Strathclyde, BA Business Management. Affiliations: Member, Alumni Trust Fund Board of the University of Strathclyde. Hobbies: Walking, swimming, theatre, food and wine.
b. 16 December 1947, Glasgow. Married.

2005				2001
CON HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Conservative	22,183	45.3	0.1	20,618	45.3
Labour	13,782	28.2	-6.2	15,659	34.4
Lib Dem	10,862	22.2	6.1	7,308	16
UKIP	1,301	2.7	0.9	782	1.7
Independent	836	1.7	-	-	-
Green	-	-	-	961	2.1
Liberal Party	-	-	-	234	0.5
Majority	8,401	17.1	-	4,959	10.9
Turnout	48,964	65.5	2.4	45,562	63.1