Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth & Kirkintilloch East since 2005. Member for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth since 1997. Committees: Member, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. Political career: Councillor, North Lanarkshire Council 1995-97; Member, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth District Council 1984-96: Leader and Convenor of Policy and Resources 1992-94; Provost 1988-92; Leader and Convenor of Housing 1984-88; Convention of Scottish Local Authorities: President 1994-96, Vice-President 1992-94, Chair, Arts and Recreation Committee 1992-94, Chair, Equal Opportunities Committee 1988-92; Chair, UK and European Standing Committees of Women Elected Members of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions. Special political interests: Constitutional reform, inclusive politics and democratic renewal, Europe, local government. Title/Honours/Decorations: CBE. Education: Notre Dame College of Education, Glasgow, Diploma in Primary Education. Affiliations: Amicus. Hobbies: Reading, gardening, travelling, family gatherings.
b. 8 May 1941, Renfrewshire. Married with four children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,251	51.8	-	16,144	54.4
SNP	8,689	22.2	-	8,624	29.0
Lib Dem	5,817	14.9	-	1,934	6.5
Conservative	2,718	7.0	-	1,460	4.9
Scot Soc	1,141	2.9	-	1,287	4.3
Christian Vote	472	1.2	-	-	-
Scot Freedom	-	-	-	250	0.8
Majority	11,562	29.6	-	7,520	25.3
Turnout	39,088	60.4	-	29,699	59.7