Member for Batley and Spen since 1997. Political career: Member, Select Committee on Broadcasting 1997-98; Councillor, Kirklees Metropolitan District Council 1980-88, Deputy Leader 1986-87; contested Hexham 1987; former Director, Housing Charity. Special political interests: Poverty, housing, transport, environmental issues, world development. Profession/Trade: Former probation officer, social worker, community worker 1965-97. Education: Salisbury/Wells Technical College; University of Leeds. Affiliations: UNISON; GMB. Hobbies: Sport, music, ornithology, walking. Publications: Probation Hostel Directory (1980).
b. 3 March 1946. Divorced with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	17,974	45.8	-4.0	19,224	49.9
Conservative	12,186	31.1	-5.7	14,160	36.7
Lib Dem	5,731	14.6	4.3	3,989	10.3
BNP	2,668	6.8	-	-	-
Green	649	1.7	0.1	595	1.5
UKIP	-	-	-	574	1.5
Majority	5,788	14.8	-	5,064	13.1
Turnout	39,208	62.3	1.8	38,542	60.5