Stafford Labour MP since 1997. Co-Chair PACTS, Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, for six years, previously David Miliband’s PPS at Defra and currently a Ministerial PPS, assisting Minister of State for Transport, Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP.

From 1997-2001, a member of the Treasury Select Committee and Joint Committee of both Houses on the pre-legislative scrutiny of what became the Financial Services & Markets Act (which set up the Financial Services Authority).

From 2001-2005 a member of the Modernisation Select Committee, investigating updating procedures and practices of the House of Commons. Achieved changes to the Sitting hours, strengthening powers of Select Committees and improvements to the educational role of Parliament.

Active backbench MP, introducing several Private Members Bills on air travel, empty homes and school food.