Profile

Labour Peer, Former Labour MSP for Lothians

Entered the House of Lords on 28 June 2005

Previously MP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley until 11 April 2005 — did not stand for re-election

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

Entered the Scottish Parliament on 3 May 2007 — Election

Left the Scottish Parliament on 23 March 2011 — Election

Party was Labour/Co-operative until 11 Apr 2005

Also represented Lothians; Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley; Ayrshire South

• Early Day Motions signed by this MP

Expenses

• Expenses from 2004 to 2009

Currently held offices

• Member, Constitution Committee (since 31 Jan 2023)
• Member, Common Frameworks Scrutiny Committee (since 17 Sep 2020)

Other offices held in the past

• Member, European Affairs Committee (14 Apr 2021 to 31 Jan 2023)
• Member, Procedure and Privileges Committee (19 Jul 2018 to 17 Sep 2020)
• Member, Political Polling and Digital Media Committee (29 Jun 2017 to 20 Mar 2018)
• Member, Select Committee on Charities (25 May 2016 to 26 Mar 2017)
• Member, Liaison Committee (Lords) ( 8 Jun 2015 to 1 Jul 2019)
• Member, Procedure and Privileges Committee ( 8 Jun 2015 to 19 Jul 2018)
• Member, Soft Power Committee (16 May 2013 to 11 Mar 2014)
• Member, National Security Strategy (Joint Committee) ( 6 Dec 2010 to 4 Jul 2013)
• Member, European Union Committee (22 Jun 2010 to 30 Mar 2015)
• Member, National Security Strategy (Joint Committee) ( 1 Feb 2010 to 6 May 2010)
• Member, Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament ( 1 Feb 2007 to 6 May 2010)
• Member, Draft Charities Bill (Joint Committee) (28 May 2004 to 21 Sep 2004)
• Member, Draft Charities Bill (Joint Committee) (29 Apr 2004 to 15 Sep 2004)
• Minister of State, Scottish Office (11 Jun 2001 to 29 May 2002)
• Minister for Education and Industry, Scottish Office (26 Jan 2001 to 11 Jun 2001)
• Minister of State (Scotland Office) (25 Jan 2001 to 28 May 2002)
• The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development ( 6 May 1997 to 25 Jan 2001)
• Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for International Development ( 5 May 1997 to 26 Jan 2001)
• Member, Foreign Affairs Committee ( 3 Apr 1981 to 9 Jun 1983)