Member of Parliament for Lewisham West since 1992, and was re-elected for Lewisham West and Penge in May 2010. Lifelong resident of the area.
Political Career:
· Member – Science and Technology Select Committee 2012 – present
· Member – Health Select Committee 2001-2010
· Senior Government Whip 1997-2001
· Opposition Spokesperson on Northern Ireland 1995-1997
· Former Opposition Whip with responsibility for London
· London Borough of Lewisham Councillor 1974-1994
· Mayor of Lewisham 1992
Previous Career:
Before entering Parliament, worked as an electronics engineer for Plessey/GPT and as a petrol station manager
Main Political Interests:
· Health
· Education
· Transport
· Economy
· Industry
· Animal Welfare
Affiliations:
Member of the Co-operative Party, Co-operative Wholesale Society, GMB, League Against Cruel Sports, WWF, IFAW, RSPB, NSPCC, Oxfam and Bromley Labour Club.
Member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East.
Education:
Studied at Dalmain, Sedgehill and London Nautical Schools
Leisure Interests:
· Music
· Theatre
. Reading
Born:
5 March 1951 – Bad Eilsen, Germany
