Born 15 March 1940, York. Married with three children.

Educated at Archbishop Holgate Grammar School, York and the London School of Economics.

Employed by the local ombudsman's office as well as the now-defunct Central Electricity Generating Board and the Electricity Council before entering Parliament.

Main leisure pursuits: walking, theatre, watching cricket and football.

Camden Borough Councillor 1971-76. Leader 1973-75.

MP for Holborn and St Pancras since 1979.

In opposition, a succession of Shadow ministerial posts:

• Spokesperson on education 1981-83

• Spokesperson on health 1983-87

• Shadow leader of the House and Campaigns Co-ordinator 1987-89

• Shadow Energy Secretary 1989-92

• Shadow Employment Secretary 1992-93

• Shadow Transport Secretary 1993-94

• Shadow Minister for London 1993-97

• Shadow Environment Secretary 1994-97

After Labour's victory in the 1997 General Election, became Secretary of State for Health. Continued this post until October 1999.