Member for Wigan since 1999. Committees: Member, Public Administration Select Committee 1999-2001. Political career: Councillor, Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council 1975-2000 (Chair, Best Value Review Panel 1997-99; Chair, Highways Committee 1980-97); Councillor, Wigan CBC 1972-75; contested Oswestry 1970. Special political interests: Local government housing. Profession/Trade: Quantity surveyor. Education: Carlisle Grammar School. Hobbies: Rugby League (Wigan RLFC).
b. 16 September 1945, Carlisle. Married.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	18,901	55.1	-6.6	20,739	61.7
Conservative	7,134	20.8	0.0	6,996	20.8
Lib Dem	6,051	17.7	2.9	4,970	14.8
UKIP	1,166	3.4	-	-	-
Comm Act	1,026	3.0	-	-	-
Soc Alliance	-	-		886	2.6
Majority	11,767	34.3		13,743	40.9
Turnout	34,278	53.3	0.8	33,591	52.5