Personal Profile

Labour MP for Barrow and Furness since 1992

1992 majority 3578, 1997 majority 14.497, 2001 majority 9989

1987 candidate for Penrith and the Borders

1989 Euro candidate for Cumbria and North Lancashire.

DoB: 6th May 1955. 3 sons, 1 daughter & (1 son deceased). Married Heather Rogers July 2004

Education: Westcliffe High School, Essex. Magdalen College, Oxford (MA, BCL)

Employment: Research Associate Templeton College. 1980-81

Senior Lecturer in Law at Newcastle Polytechnic 1981 - 92

Hobbies: Football, cricket, films, music and history

Special political interests: Legal Affairs, Welfare State, Defence and Home Affairs

Publications "Kithener's Men" - Published by Pen and Sword Publishers April 2008. The book provides a history of the training and fighting experiences of the Service and Territorial battalions of the King's Own Royal Lancasters in France during World War One. Soliders in the Kings Own Roayl Lancaster were recruited from the Furness area and the book was inspired by the stories related to John by his constituents who served in the Great War. Any proceeds from this publication will go to the British Legion

Affiliations: Trustee (unpaid) Furness Animal Refuge.

Committees: Select Committee on Home Affairs 1994-97. Unopposed Bills 1994-97.

Back Bench Committees: Chair of Home Affairs 1994-97 and Defence

1992-94.

All-Party Subject Groups: Chair of Welfare of Park Home Owners 1995-

97, Chair of British Latin American Group 1997

Political career: PPS to Secretary of State for Trade & Industry 1998

PPS to Leader of the House 1998

Under Secretary of State for Health 1998-99

Minister for Health, Dept. of Health 1999

Minister of State for Health 2001

Member of the Privy Council 2001

Appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster & Minister for the Cabinet Office May 2005

Appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions November 2005

Appointed Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform June 2007