I have lived in Birmingham for nearly 25 years and have represented Birmingham Northfield in Parliament since 1992. I am part of this community. So what happens here affects me as a local resident, not simply as your MP. I am independent and hard working, and have fought hard for the issues that matter to you over the last 15 years; I am still fighting hard for you today. For investment in schools, hospitals and police and for a better future for our community. Some information about my interests, background and experience is below.
Before entering Parliament in 1992 I worked as a Branch Organiser for NALGO in Yorkshire (1979-81) and as a District Officer in the West Midlands between 1981 and 1992. I am a member of the TGWU, the Co-operative Party and the Fabian Society. My main leisure pursuits are: Motor racing (I hold a competition licence and am a former winner of the House of Commons v House of Lords motor race), swimming, food and travel.I am married to Jane, who is the Chief Executive of the Foyer Federation.
Since becoming the MP for Northfield in 1992 I have worked on many issues to make a difference to the local environment and to the quality of life of local people. The closure of the MG Rover factory in Longbridge in 2005 has had an enormous impact on the local community and I regard it as a key priority to ensure that the site at Longbridge is regenerated in a way to benefit all people and that valuable opportunities are not squandered. I pressed for there to be funding secured for step free access to Northfield station and am pleased the the Government has just set a timetable for this work to be carried out. The building of a new hospital and greater funding for local schools are also issues I have been active on.
I have also been working to ensure tighter regulations on the sale of knives, pushing for greater consultation on the redevelopment of Frankley town centre, pressing for help for those who lost their pensions at Kalamazoo and helping local sports teams gain changing facilities in Cofton Park. I have taken up cases on behalf of thousands of constituents and encourage residents to contact me and my local constituency team if they need help or advice.
I have a strong interest in International Development matters and serve as an MP on the International Development Select Committee. I also am passionate about the Middle East and believe that finding peace there will help considerably with so many of the other conflicts which are influenced by the dynamic in the region.
Posts Held
- Member of International Development Select Committee 2005 -
- Member of Trade and Industry Select Committee 2001-2005
- Formerly Secretary of the PLP Trade and Industry Committee
- Chair of Parliamentary All Party Group on Electoral Reform
- Vice Chair of Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform
- Chair of Britain Palestine All Party Group
- Chair of Parliamentary All Party Motor Group
- Chair of the Birmingham Group of Labour MPs
- Parliamentary Motorsport Representative to Minister of Sport
- Parliamentary Private Secretary to Jeff Rooker MP at the Department of Social Security 1999 – 2001 and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1997-1999
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