Member for Stoke-on-Trent North since 1987. Committees: Secretary, All-Party Parliamentarians for Global Action Group since 2002; Vice-Chair, All-Party Environment Group since 2001; Secretary, All-Party Lighting Group since 2001; Chair, All-Party Regeneration Group since 2001; Member, Select Committee on Environmental Audit since 1997; Member, Labour Party Departmental Committees for Environment, Transport and the Regions 1997-2001, Education and Employment 1997-2001, Trade and Industry since 1997. Political career: Member for Stoke-on-Trent North since June 1987; Opposition Spokesperson on Transport 1990-95, Environmental Protection and Development 1988-90. Special political interests: Member, Backbench Committees on health, environment, small businesses. Education: Biddulph Grammar School; Hull University, BA Social Administration; University College of Wales, Swansea, Diploma in Community Work Development. Languages spoken: German. Affiliations: Vice-President, Institute Environmental Health Officers; President, West Midlands Home and Water Safety Council, City of Stoke-on-Trent Primary School Sports Association; Member, Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (RAF). Hobbies: Walking, swimming, music, football.
b. 23 January 1949, Biddulph, Staffordshire. Married with two children.