Labour Member of Parliament for South-Dorset
Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform at the Department for Work and Pensions (attending Cabinet), and Minister for the South West  

Age: 43
Marital Status: Married. Two children.

Qualifications:
BA Hons, Cambridge University.

Employment History:
Before entering Parliament, managed a publishing company, based in the West Country, for 10 years. Prior to that, managed arts venues, worked for a small scale travelling theatre company. Formerly Director of Fire Protection Association Ltd. and Chair of the Fire Protection Council..

History in Politics:
MP for Dorset South since June 2001.

Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Department for Children Schools and Families, 2007-2009
Minister of State for Schools and 14-19 Learners, Department for Education and Skills, 2006-2007
Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity at Defra 2005-2006.
Parliamentary Private Secretary to Ministerial Team, Dept of Health, 2004-5.
PPS to Rosie Winterton, Dept of Health 2003-2004.
Member of Defence Select Committee (2001 - 2003).
Mendip District Councillor (1997-2001), Leader of the Labour Group (1999-2000).
Frome Town Councillor (1995-2001).
Mayor of Frome (1999).
European Parliamentary Candidate, South West (1999).
Parliamentary Candidate, Dorset South (1997).

Groups:
Member of AMICUS and GMB.

Up to 2005 General Election:
Chair of All Party Parliamentary Leisure Group;
Co-Chair of All Party Parliamentary Minerals Group;
Treasurer of All Party Parliamentary Fire Safety Group;
Secretary of All Party Parliamentary Iraq Group;
Secretary of All Party Parliamentary World Heritage Group;
Trustee of World Heritage Coast Trust.

Until 2005
Patron of National Fire Sprinkler Network;
Patron of Bruised Reed Trust;
Trustee of Tank Museum;

Special Interests:
Foreign Policy, Defence, International Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and Sport.