Member for Harlow since 1997. Committees: Member, Education and Employment Select Committee; Member of Backbench Committee on Education and Employment, on Environment, on the Treasury. Political career: Chair, Labour Movement for Europe since 1998; Treasurer, Future of Europe Trust since 1997; Vice-Chair, SEEDS (South East Economic Development Strategy) since 1995; Board Member, Local Government Information Unit 1988-97; Councillor, Harlow Council 1985-97; Parliamentary Candidate for Harlow 1992; former President, Cardiff University Students' Union 1982-83. Special political interests: Europe, housing, higher education, electoral and constitutional reform, local government. Profession/Trade: University business manager. Education: Burnt Mill Comprehensive, Harlow; Cardiff University, BA (Hons) French and Politics. Languages spoken: French and German. Hobbies: Football, cricket, travel.
b. 10 October 1959. Married with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	16,453	41.4	-6.4	19,169	47.8
Conservative	16,356	41.2	6.4	13,941	34.8
Lib Dem	5,002	12.6	-0.8	5,381	13.4
UKIP	981	2.5	-0.5	1,223	3
Veritas	941	2.4	-	-	-
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	401	1
Majority	97	0.2		5,228	13
Turnout	39,733	62.6	2.9	40,115	59.8