Profile

Crossbench Peer

Entered the House of Lords on 11 September 2020

Previously MP for Birkenhead until 6 November 2019 — Dissolved for election

Entered the House of Commons on 3 May 1979 — General election

Party was Labour until 29 Aug 2018; Independent until 6 Nov 2019; Non-affiliated until 5 Oct 2020

Also represented Birkenhead

• Early Day Motions signed by this MP

Expenses

• Expenses from 2004 to 2009
• Expenses from 2010 onwards

Currently held offices

• Member, Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee) (since 26 Jan 2021)

Other offices held in the past

• Member, Liaison Committee Sub-committee on the effectiveness and influence of the select committee system (13 Feb 2019 to 6 Nov 2019)
• Member, Liaison Committee (Commons) ( 6 Nov 2017 to 6 Nov 2019)
• Member, Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee) (31 Oct 2017 to 6 Nov 2019)
• Chair, Work and Pensions Committee (12 Jul 2017 to 6 Nov 2019)
• Chair, Work and Pensions Committee (12 Jul 2017 to 6 Nov 2019)
• Member, Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee) (28 Oct 2015 to 3 May 2017)
• Member, Liaison Committee (Commons) (10 Sep 2015 to 3 May 2017)
• Chair, Work and Pensions Committee (18 Jun 2015 to 3 May 2017)
• Chair, Work and Pensions Committee (18 Jun 2015 to 3 May 2017)
• Chair, Draft Modern Slavery Bill Committee ( 9 Jan 2014 to 3 Apr 2014)
• Chair, Draft Modern Slavery Bill Committee ( 9 Jan 2014 to 3 Apr 2014)
• Member, Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee) (26 Oct 2010 to 30 Mar 2015)
• Member, Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee) ( 6 Jul 2005 to 8 Apr 2010)
• Member, Public Accounts Committee (15 May 2002 to 12 Jul 2005)
• Member, Ecclesiastical Committee (Joint Committee) (31 Jan 2002 to 5 May 2005)
• Minister (Department of Social Security) (Welfare Reform) ( 3 May 1997 to 28 Jul 1998)
• Chair, Social Security Committee (18 Nov 1993 to 21 Mar 1997)
• Chair, Social Security Committee (18 Nov 1993 to 21 Mar 1997)
• Member, Social Security Committee (27 Apr 1992 to 18 Nov 1993)
• Member, Liaison Committee (Commons) (17 Jun 1987 to 21 Mar 1997)
• Shadow Spokesperson (Education) ( 1 Jun 1980 to 1 Jun 1981)