Biography

I was born in Salisbury and was educated at Cheltenham Grammar School before attending university at the University of Exeter.

I graduated from Exeter in 1967 with an Honours Degree in Economic History. Then I went on to train at the Loughborough College of Librarianship and graduated in 1971 with a postgraduate diploma in Librarianship. From 1971-1982 I worked as a professional librarian with Cheshire County Council, and from 1973 to 1982 I worked as a librarian and teacher of study skills in a Cheshire Comprehensive school.  

In 1982 I moved to the West Midlands to become a full time political organiser for the Co-operative Party in the Midlands and the South Yorkshire region, where I worked until 2000. In addition, in 1991 I was elected as a Councillor for Sandwell Borough Council and was the Deputy Leader from 1997-2000.

In 2000 I was chosen as the Labour candidate to succeed Betty Boothroyd, and on the 23^rd of November I was duly elected to be the Member of Parliament for West Bromwich West.

I take an active interest in parliamentary issues ranging from the Cooperative movement to animal welfare, from manufacturing to the education of our children. I have served on various committees in the past, and my most recent Parliamentary activity involves my election as Chair of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee.

In 1989, I married my lovely wife, Jill. She worked as a local school teacher for several years and now she enjoys working at a local museum. We live in the Oakham area of my constituency.

I enjoy swimming and love following football and cricket.