Member for Bristol East since 2005. Political career: Member, Labour National Policy Forum since 1998–2005; Member, Labour Economic Policy Commission 1998–2005; Councillor, Luton Borough Council 1993–2003, 1995–96. Special political interests: Economic policy, international trade/aid, crime and justice, transport, public health, animal welfare. Profession/Trade: Solicitor. Education: University of Liverpool, BA (Hons) Russian, Politics and Linguistics; qualified as a solicitor in 1994. Affiliations: Member, Howard League for Penal Reform; World Development Movement; Labour Animal Welfare Society. Hobbies: Travel, scuba diving, Formula One motor racing.
b. 26 March 1965, Luton.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	19,152	45.91	-9	22,180	55
Lib Dem	10,531	25.24	8.1	6,915	17.1
Conservative	8,787	21.06	-0.7	8,788	21.8
Green	1,586	3.80	1	1,110	2.8
UKIP	1,132	2.71	1	572	1.4
Respect the Unity Coalition	532	1.28	-	-	-
Soc Lab	-	-	-	438	1.1
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	331	0.8
Majority	8621	20.66	-	13,392	33.2
Turnout	41720	61.27	3.87	40,334	57.4