Member for Rochdale since 2005. Political career: Councillor, Rochdale Council since 1983. Special political interests: Education, housing, youth services, international development. Profession/Trade: Deputy Head, Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College, Bradford. Education: Bishop Henshaw Memorial High School; University of Nottingham, Chemistry and Geology. Hobbies: Hill-walking, travel, reading.

2005				2001
LIB DEM GAIN	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Lib Dem	16,787	41.1	6.2	13,751	34.9
Labour	16,345	40.0	-9.2	19,406	49.2
Conservative	4,270	10.5	-2.9	5,274	13.4
BNP	1,773	4.3	-	-	-
UKIP	499	1.2	-	-	-
Green	448	1.1	-0.8	728	1.8
IZB	361	0.9	-	-	-
Veritas	343	0.8	-	-	-
Independent	-	-	-	253	0.6
Majority	442	1.1		5,655	14.3
Turnout	40,826	58.4	1.7	39,412	56.7