Member for Edinburgh North and Leith since 2001. Committees: Environmental Audit since 2007; Modernisation of the House of Commons 2005-10; Joint Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill 2007; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 2002-05; Regulatory Reform 2002-05; Scottish Affairs 2001-03. Political career: Shadow Minister for International Development 2010-11; Member, Labour Partys Scottish Executive Committee since 1980; Prime Ministers Special Representative on Global Carbon Markets October 2008-April 2010; Parliamentary Private Secretary, Scotland Office 2007-8; Labour Councillor, City of Edinburgh Council 1999-2001 (Executive Member, Transport 1999-2001) and 1980-96 (Leader of the Council 1986-93); Convenor, Edinburgh Councils Recreation Committee 1984-86; Member, Executive Committee, Scottish Constitutional Convention; Parliamentary Candidate, Edinburgh Pentlands 1992, and 1987; Chair, Scottish Labour Party 1989-90; Member, Labour and Co-operative Parliamentary Group. Special political interests: Environment, transport, consumer issues, co-operative issues, constitution, finance, economy, small businesses, international development. Profession/Trade: Advocate, Scottish Bar. Education: University of St Andrews; University of Edinburgh. Affiliations: Member, TGWU; former Member, Socialist Environment and Resources Association (SERA); Member, Friends of the Earth; Member, Fabian Society; member of various local community organisations. b. 1953, Romford. Married with four children. |
| |
2010 |
|
|
2005 |
|
| LAB HOLD |
Votes |
% |
+/- % |
Votes |
% |
| Labour |
17,740 |
37.5 |
3.3 |
14,597 |
34.2 |
| Lib Dem |
16,016 |
33.8 |
4.6 |
12,444 |
29.2 |
| Conservative |
7,079 |
14.9 |
4.7 |
4,344 |
10.2 |
| SNP |
4,568 |
9.6 |
-9.1 |
7,969 |
18.7 |
| Green |
1,062 |
2.2 |
|
|
|
| Liberal Party |
389 |
0.8 |
|
|
|
| TU & Soc Coalition |
233 |
0.5 |
|
|
|
| Socialist Labour |
141 |
0.3 |
-1.6 |
804 |
1.9 |
| Independent |
128 |
0.3 |
|
|
|
| Majority |
1,724 |
3.6 |
|
2,153 |
5.0 |
| Turnout |
47,356 |
68.4 |
0.4 |
42,640 |
68.0 |
|