I have been Member of Parliament for Darlington since 1992.

I was opposition Spokesperson for Health from 1995-96 and was Shadow Economic Secretary from 1996 until 1997.

I was Minister of State for Health (1997-1998) and the following year became Chief Secretary to the Treasury (1998-1999).

I was appointed Secretary of State for Health (1999-2003) where I was responsible for a major reform of health care.

As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (2004 to 2005), I was responsible for the co-ordination of government policy and the Labour Party’s successful 2005 general election campaign.

Before being elected to Parliament, I worked in business development and for a trade union research centre.