Member for Harrow East since 1997. Political career: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State ODPM (Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Planning) and Minister for London since 2002; Lords Commissioner (Senior Whip) with responsibility for London and the Cabinet Office 2001-02; appointed Junior Government Whip with responsibility for London and Foreign Office 2001; Parliamentary Private Secretary, Department for Education and Employment for post-16 provision 1999-2000. Special political interests: Education, health, local government, London regeneration, Ireland. Profession/Trade: Lecturer. Education: Salvatorian College Wealdstone, Harrow; Stanmore Sixth Form College; University of Liverpool, BA (Hons) Political Theory and Institutions; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, MA Political Science. Affiliations: Fabian Society. Hobbies: Riding, theatre, cinema, rugby, football, Gaelic games, history, languages.
b. 3 November 1958, London. Single.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	23,445	46.1	-9.2	26,590	55.3
Conservative	18,715	36.8	4.7	15,466	32.2
Lib Dem	7,747	15.2	2.7	6,021	12.5
UKIP	916	1.8	-	-	-
Majority	4,730	9.3		11,124	23.1
Turnout	50,823	60.5	1.6	48,077	58.9