Member for Calder Valley since 1997. Committees: Chair, APPG Friends of Islam (2002); Member, International Development Select Committee since 2001; Chair, All-Party Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health; Chair, APPG Guides (2000); Member, Select Committee on Procedure 1997-99; Chair, Adoption Panel 1992-96; Chair, Women's Advisory Group 1991-93; Chair, Disability Advisory Group 1991-93. Political career: Councillor, Calderdale MBC 1991-97. Special political interests: Women's issues (especially sexual health); Africa; international development; MSF Union. Profession/Trade: Project Worker, Calderdale Well Woman Centre 1989-96. Education: Whalley Range Grammar School for Girls, Manchester; Footscray High School, Melbourne, Australia. Affiliations: MSF Union; Director, Royd Regeneration Ltd; Trustee, Trades Club Building Hebden Bridge. Hobbies: Swimming, reading, gardening, caravanning, camping.
b. 14 October 1945. Married with one child.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,426	38.5	-4.1	20,244	42.7
Conservative	17,059	35.7	-0.4	17,150	36.2
Lib Dem	9,027	18.9	2.8	7,596	16
BNP	1,887	3.9	-	-	-
Green	1,371	2.8	-	1,034	2.2
UKIP	-	-	-	729	1.5
L Cannabis	-	-	-	672	1.4
Majority	1,367	2.9		3,094	6.5
Turnout	47,770	67	4	47,425	63