Member for Halton since 1997. Committees: Member, Public Accounts Committee 1998-99. Political career: Assistant Government Whip since 2002; Parliamentary Private Secretary to Rt Hon Stephen Byers 2001-02; PPA to Rt Hon Helen Liddell 1999-2000; Education Spokesperson, Halton Borough Council 1996-97; Chair of Finance 1992-96; Chair of Housing 1987-92; Halton Borough Councillor 1983-97; Cheshire County Councillor 1981-85. Special political interests: Economy, education, employment, poverty, housing, health. Profession/Trade: Civil servant. Education: Bankfield High School, Widnes; Halton College of Further Education. Hobbies: Liverpool Football Club, various sporting activities, walking, reading, history.
b. 9 July 1959, Widnes, Cheshire. Married with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	21,460	62.8	-6.4	23,841	69.2
Conservative	6,854	20.1	1.5	6,413	18.6
Lib Dem	5,869	17.2	4.9	4,216	12.2
Majority	14,606	42.7	-	17,428	50.6
Turnout	34,183	53.1	-1.0	34,470	54.1