Created by Bob Blizzard,
Waveney Constituency Labour Party, 29a Roman Road,
Lowestoft, NR32 2DG.

FAQ

When were you first elected to Parliament?

I was first elected to Parliament in May 1997. I was the first Labour MP to represent the area since 1959 and was re-elected as Waveney's MP in June 2001 and May 2005.

What was your occupation prior to becoming MP for Waveney?

I was a teacher for 25 years. In addition, I was the Leader of Waveney District Council from 1991 to 1997, having been first elected to the council in 1987.

What positions did you hold in Parliament?

I was a Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) from 2007-2010. Previously I was the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Douglas Alexander as the Secretary of State for Transport (2006-2007) and Minister for Europe (2005-2006). I was also the Parliamentary Private Secretary to Nick Brown as the Minister for Work at the Department of Work and Pensions (2001-2003), and to Baroness Hayman as the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1999-2001).

I was the Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary British Offshore Oil and Gas Group (1997-2007), the All Party Parliamentary Renewable Transport Fuels Group (2007), the All Party Parliamentary British - Brazilian Group (1997-2007), the All Party Parliamentary British-Chilean Group (2005-1007) and the All Party Parliamentary British – Latin America Group (2004-2007); and the Secretary of the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (2004-2007). I was also served on the Environmental Audit Select Committee.

What was your majority before the 2010 election??

In the 2005 election the results were:

Labour = 22,505
Conservative = 16,590
Lib-Dem = 7497
Others = 3061

Therefore I'I had a majority of 5915.

What policy areas do you have a special interest in?

I am particularly interested in energy, employment, health, transport, education and foreign affairs.

Where were you born?

I was born and went to school in Suffolk.

Where did you go to university?

I went to Birmingham University.

What are your personal interests?

I particularly enjoy walking, listening to jazz music, skiing and watching rugby, cricket and football (especially Lowestoft Town FC).

Download my biography

Declaration of Interests