Member for Oldham West and Royton since 1997. Member for Oldham West 1970-97. Committees: Member, Select Committee on the Treasury and Civil Service since 1981; Chair, Subcommittee on Tax and Benefits Policy. Political career: Minister of State, Environment, Transport and the Regions since 1997; Labour Party, Chief Opposition Spokesperson on Environmental Protection 1996-97, on Transport 1994-97, on Public Services and Science 1993-97, on Overseas Development 1992-93, on Social Security 1989-92, on Employment in 1995-96 and 1987-89, on Health and Social Security 1983-87; Member, Labour Party National Executive Committee 1983-88; Member, Shadow Cabinet since 1983; Candidate for the Labour Party Deputy Leadership 1983; Under-Secretary for Trade 1976-79, for Health and Social Security 1975-76, for Industry 1974-75; Parliamentary Candidate for Oldham West 1968 and Colchester 1966; joined Labour Party in 1962; Parliamentary Representative of UNISON. Special political interests: Economic policy, industry and trade policy, reform of machinery of government, reform of media, housing, education, social services. Profession/Trade: Lecturer. Education: Berkhamstead School; New College, Oxford; LSE. Affiliations: UNISON; Member, Fabian Society; Member, Child Poverty Action Group. Hobbies: Sport, reading, music.
b. 4 November 1939, Hemel Hempstead. Married with four children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,452	49.1	-2.1	20,441	51.2
Conservative	7,998	21.3	3.6	7,076	17.7
Lib Dem	7,519	20.0	7.6	4,975	12.4
BNP	2,606	6.9	-9.5	6,552	16.4
UK IP	987	2.6	-	-	-
Green	-	-		918	2.3
Majority	10,454	27.8		13,365	33.4
Turnout	37,562	53.3	-4.3	39,962	57.6