Members of Parliament for Sale - Messenger Newspapers

Member of Parliament for Wythenshawe and Sale East

Party

Committees

Street Children Group, Homelessness And Housing Need Group, Haemophilia Group, Racing And Bloodstock Industries Group, Friends Of Cafod (catholic Agency For Overseas Development) Group, British-latin America Group

Biography

MP Since - 1997 Majority - 10,827 Born - 16/06/1953, Married, 2 sons, 1 daughter.

Education - St Bede's, Manchester, Ushaw College, Durham, Birmingham Polytechnic, Manchester Polytechnic.

Previous Occupation - Child Care Worker, Liverpool Catholic Social Services (1974-75), Officer-in-Charge, Local Authority Children's Home, Wigan (1976-84), Project Director, NCH Action for Children, Salford (1984-89), National Director, Church Action on Poverty (1989-97).

Personal Overview - Principal political interests lie within the sphere of welfare and poverty, both in the UK and internationally. Strong connections and widespread experience of social issues make him well qualified to pursue an active Parliamentary role in this area of political life. Convictions appear to stem partly from his Christian beliefs. Was moved from the controversial Prisons Portfolio in May 2006, following the issues surrounding the issue of the deportation of foreign prisoners.

Political History - Salford District Councillor (1990-98), Member for Wythenshaw and Sale East (1997-). Joint Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour Party International Development Committee (2001-04). Member of the Social Security Select Committee (1997-98). PPS to Rt. Hon John Denham MP (Minister for Welfare Reform, then Minister of State for Health) (1998-2001). PPS to the Secretary of State for Education & Employment, then to the Home Secretary (Rt. Hon. David Blunkett MP) (2001-03). Secretary, Poverty All Party Group. Prisons Minister at the Home Office (2003-06). Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office (2006-07), Minister of State for the Northern Ireland Office (2007-).

Characteristics - With a seemingly overriding interest in welfare issues it remains to be seen whether conviction will eventually lead to conflict with his own Party, now facing the economic restrictions of Government. Successful career outside politics may be a pointer to potential as a Government member if temptations to rebel can be avoided. Holds a season ticket with Manchester City FC.

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