Member for Hyndburn since 1992. Committees: Member, Education Select Committee; Secretary, Parliamentary Labour Party Education Committee 1994-95. Political career: Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury (Government Whip) since 1999; Assistant Government Whip 1997-99; Opposition Whip 1995-97; Councillor, Blackburn Borough Council 1989-91; Parliamentary Candidate for Ribble Valley 1987; Councillor, Hyndburn District Council 1985-87. Special political interests: Housing, education, foreign affairs. Profession/Trade: Local government officer. Education: Local state schools; St Mary's College, Blackburn; University of Hull. Hobbies: Walking, chess.
b. 29 August 1960, Great Harwood. Married with three children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,136	46.0	-8.7	20,900	54.7
Conservative	12,549	31.8	-1.4	12,681	33.2
Lib Dem	5,577	14.1	4.5	3,680	9.6
BNP	2,444	6.2	-	-	-
UKIP	743	1.9	-0.7%	982	2.6
Majority	5,587	14.2		8,219	21.5
Turnout	39,449	58.8	1.2	38,243	57.6