Stroud District Council area

I worked as a radiotherapy radiographer for the Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust for 40 years, the last 12 years spent managing the Radiotherapy Treatment section. Since retiring 5 years ago, I have maintained my interest in the NHS and have been a Public Governor for Stroud, where I live, since the Foundation Trust was formed.

I was elected to Parliament as the Labour and Co-operative Member for the Stroud constituency in 1997, having previously served on Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council. I live in Stonehouse with my family and remain a member of Stonehouse Town Council. In Parliament my main interests are national and international poverty, health and rural issues. I am a member of the EFRA Select Committee and Chair of the Labour Group of Rural MPs.