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United Kingdom

(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

NEW GOVERNMENT SINCE 08 JUNE 2001
The government is formed by the Labour Party.

The United Kingdom is a member of the European Union.

Tony Charles Lynton Blair - Prime Minister and First Lord of Treasury

Born : in Scotland in May 1953

Education/Profession : Went to school at Durham and Edinburgh. He read Law at Oxford University and qualified as a barrister in London in 1976. He specialised in cases of unfair dismissal under Employment and Industrial Law until 1983.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Has been MP for Sedgefield since 1983. In Parliament he has held the following posts : Opposition spokesman on Treasury and Economic Affairs 1984-87 ; Opposition spokesman on Trade and Industry 1987-88 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Energy 1988-89 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Employment 1989-92 ; Opposition Spokesman on Home Affairs ; Leader of the Labour Party since 1994 ; Prime Minister and Minister for the Civil Service since 2 May 1997.

Also : Minister for the Civil Service

John Leslie Prescott - Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

Born : in Prestatyn, May 1938

Education/Profession : Went to school in Cheshire, leaving to work in hotel catering at the age of 15. In 1955 he joined the Merchant Navy. In 1968 he became an official of the National Union of Seamen. He studied Politics and Economics at Ruskin College, and then read Economics and Economic History at Hull University.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Has been MP for Hull East since 1970. In Parliament he has held the following posts : Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Trade 1974-6 ; Opposition Spokesman on Transport 1979-81 ; Opposition Spokesman on Regional Affairs and Devolution 1981-83 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 1983-84 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Employment 1984-87 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Energy 1987-88 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 1988-93 ; Deputy Leader of the Labour Party/Opposition since 1994 ; Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport, and the Region since 1997 ; Deputy Prime Minister since 2 May 1997. .

James Gordon Brown - Chancellor of the Exchequer

Born : in Glasgow in February 1951

Education/Profession : Went to school at Kirkcaldy. He read History at Edinburgh University, and attained a PhD. After finishing his studies he worked as a Politics lecturer at Glasgow College of Technology. 1976-80. Following this he worked as a journalist and then as Current Affairs Editor for Scottish Television 1980-83.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Became MP for Dunfermline East in 1983. He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman on Trade and Industry 1985-87 ; Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1987-89 ; Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary 1989-92 ; Shadow Chancellor 1992-97 ; Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2 May 1997.

Jack John Whitaker Straw - Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs [Shift]

Born : in Essex in August 1946

Education/Profession : Went to Brentwood School. He then read law at Leeds University and qualified to practice as a barrister. He worked as a barrister until 1974. From 1974-77 he worked as a political advisor to Labour governments. He then worked as a television journalist until 1979.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Been MP for Blackburn since 1979. In Parliament he has held the following posts : Opposition Spokesman on Treasury & Economic Affairs 1980-83 ; Opposition Spokesman on Environment 1983-87 ; Shadow Education Secretary 1987-92 ; Shadow Environment Secretary 1992-94 ; Shadow Home Secretary 1994-97 ; Home Secretary since 2 May 1997.

Lord Irvine of Lairg - Lord Chancellor

Born : in Inverness in June 1940

Education/Profession : Went to school in Glasgow. He then read law at Glasgow University, and Cambridge University. From 1965 to 1969 he lectured in law at the London School of Economics. He became a barrister in 1967. Lord Irvine was appointed Queens Counsel in 1978. He served as a court recorder from 1985 to 1988 and was appointed a deputy high court judge in 1987.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Becoming Lord Chancellor on 2 May 1997.

Note : Lord Irvine's title comes from a village in North East of Scotland. He chose Lairg as a title because his mother and maternal aunts, uncles and grandparents came from this village.

David Blunkett - Secretary of State for the Home Department [Shift]

Born : in Sheffield in June 1947

Education/Profession : Went to school in his home city. After school he studied at Royal Normal College for the Blind, at Shrewsbury Technical College, and at Sheffield Richmond College of FE. He then read Political Theory and Institutions at Sheffield University, and Huddersfield College of Education. From 1967 he worked for the Gas board. In 1974 became Tutor in Industrial Relations and Politics at Barnsley College of Technology.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Has been MP for Sheffield Brightside since 1987. In Parliament he has held the following posts: Opposition Spokesman on Environment (Local Government) 1988-92 ; Shadow Health Secretary 1992-94 ; Shadow Education Secretary 1994-95 ; Shadow Education and Employment Secretary 1995-97 ; Secretary of State for Education and Employment since 2 May 1997.

Margaret Mary Beckett - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [Shift]

Born : in January 1943 in Ashton-under-Lyne

Education/Profession : Studied Metallurgy at Manchester College of Science and Technology, and John Dalton Polytechnic. From 1961 to 1970 she worked as a Metallurgist. She then worked as a research assistant for the Labour Party until 1974. worked as Principal Researcher for Granada Television until 1983.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : She has held the following posts in Parliament : Assistant Government Whip 1975-76. Under-Secretary of State for Education 1976-79. Opposition Spokesman, Health & Social Security 1984-89. Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1989-92. Deputy Leader and Leader of the House (Opposition) 1993-94. Acting Leader of the Opposition May-July 1994. Shadow Health Secretary 1994-95. Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary 1995-97. President of the Board of Trade 1997-8. Leader of the House of Commons since 1998. President of the Privy Council since July 1998.

Estelle Morris - Secretary of State for Education and Skills [NEW]

Born : in Machester

Education/Profession : Educated at Whalley Range High School, Manchester and Coventry College of Education, is a former teacher in an inner city comprehensive school.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Member of Warwick District Council between 1979 and 1991, serving as leader of the labour group for seven years. In 1994, was appointed an Opposition Whip, and in 1995 became Opposition Spokeswoman on education and employment. Appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for School Standards in May 1997 and promoted to Minister for School Standards in July 1998.

Tessa Jowell - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport [NEW]

Born : in 17 September 1947

Education/Profession : Educated at St Margaret's School, Aberdeen, and the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and London. Social Worker Assistant Director, MIND Director, Birmingham Community Care Special Action Project Member of the Mental Health Act Commission 1985-91 Director, Community Care Programme, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Camden Council 1971-84 Contested Ilford North 1978 (By-Election) and 1979 MP for Dulwich 1992- Opposition Whip 1994-95 Opposition Spokeswoman on Women 1995-96 Opposition Spokeswoman on Health since 1996.

Clare Short - Secretary of State for International Development

Born : in February 1946 in Birmingham

Education/Profession : Went to school locally. She studied Political Science at Keele and Leeds Universities. She worked as a Home Office Civil Servant from 1970-75. She then directed 'All Faith for one Race', and 'YouthAid' until 1983.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Since 1983 has been MP for Birmingham Ladywood. She has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition Spokeswoman, Employment 1985-89 ; Opposition Spokeswoman, Social Security 1989-90 ; Opposition Spokeswoman, Environmental Protection 1992-93 ; Opposition Spokeswoman, Women 1993-95 ; Shadow Transport Secretary 1995-96 ; Shadow Minister for Overseas Development 1996-97 ; Secretary of State for International Development since 2 May 1997.

Alistair Maclean Darling - Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [Shift]

Born : in 1953

Education/Profession : Attended Loretto School, Musselburgh, and studied Law at Aberdeen University. He worked as a solicitor in Edinburgh before being called to the Scottish Bar and admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1984.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : He has been the Member ofParliament for Edinburgh Central since 1987. Previously he was the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury from July 1996 to April 1997,Opposition Spokesman on the City and Financial Services between 1992 and July 1996 and in the Opposition Home Affairs Team from 1988-92. He was Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 03 May 1997 to July 1998. Appointed Secretary of State for Social Security 27 July 1998.

Patricia Hewit - Secretary of State for Trade and Industry [NEW]

Born : 1955

Education/Profession : Educated at the Canberra Girls Grammar School and Newnham College, Cambridge University. She was Press and Broadcasting Officer (1983-87) nd Policy Coordinator (1987-89) to the then Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. Neil Kinnock; Deputy Director (1989-94) of the Institute for Public Policy Research, and Director of Research for Andersen Consulting (1994-97).

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Deputy Chair of the Commission for Social Justice (1992-94) and was a member of the Social Security Select Committee before taking up her Ministerial post. Became a Member of Parliament in 1997.

Also : Minister for Women

Alan Milburn - Secretary of State for Health

Born : in 1958 in Birmingham

Education/Profession : Was educated at John Marlay School in Newcastle upon Tyne, at Stokesley Comprehensive School, at the University of Lancaster where he graduated in history and at the University of Newcastle. He acted as co-ordinator of the Trade Union Studies Information Unit in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and as Senior Business Development Officer for North Tyneside.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Council until his election to Parliament in 1992 for Darlington. He is a former Opposition Spokesman on Treasury and Economic Affairs (1996-97). He was a Member of the Public Accounts Select Committee from 1994-1995. He had formerly been Chief Secreatry to the Treasury since December 1998. Was appointed as Secretary of State for Health on 11 October 1999.

Geoffrey William Hoon - Secretary of State for Defence

Born : in December 1953 in Derby

Education/Profession : Went to school in Nottingham. He worked in a furniture factory before studying law at Cambridge University. He worked as a Law Lecturer at Leeds University 1976-82. He was a barrister in Nottingham from 1982-84.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : He was elected Member of the European Parliament for Derbyshire and Ashfield 1984-1994. Since 1992 Geoff Hoon has been MP for Ashfield. He has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition Whip 1994-95 ; Opposition Spokesman on Trade and Industry 1995-97 ; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Lord Chancellor's Office, 1997-98 ; Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Office 1998-99 ; Minister of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office May-October 1999 ; Secretary of State for Defence since 11 October 1999.

Helen Liddell - Secretary of State for Scotland

Born :

Education/Profession : Was educated at St Patrick's High School, Coatbridge and Strathclyde University. Was economics correspondent for BBC Scotland (1976-77). Director, Corporate Affairs, Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail (1986) Ltd. (1988-92) and, Chief Executive, Business Venture Programme (1993-94).

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : General Secretary of the Scottish Labour Party (1977-88). She is MP for Airdrie and Shotts and has been a Member of Parliament since June 1994. From 1995-1997 she was Opposition Spokeswoman on Scotland. She was Economic Secretary to the Treasury from May 1997 with responsibility for the City including financial services, banking and building society regulation. She was Minister for Energy and Competitiveness in Europe from July 1999. From May 1999 she was Minister of Transport. From 29 July 1998 she was Minister for Education at The Scottish Office where she also had responsibility for co-ordination and presentation of policy and for women's issues. Appointed as Secretary of State for Scotland on 24 January 2001.

Paul Peter Murphy - Secretary of State for Wales

Born : in November 1948 in Usk

Education/Profession : Went to school in Monmouthshire. He read Modern History at Oxford University, graduating in 1970. From 1970-1971 he worked as a management trainee for the Co-operative Wholesale Society. From 1972 until 1987 he was a Lecturer in History and Politics at Ebbw Vale College in Gwent.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Since 1987 has been MP for Torfaen. He has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs in 1995 ; Opposition Spokesman for Northern Ireland 1994-95 ; Opposition Spokesman for Wales 1988-94 ; Opposition Spokesman for Defence 1995-7 ; Minister of State for Northern Ireland 1997-9 ; Secretary of State for Wales since 2 May 1997.

Dr John Reid Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Born : in Scotland in May 1947

Education/Profession : Went to school at Coatbridge. He read History at Stirling University, staying to take a Doctorate in Economic History. He worked as a research officer for the Labour Party from 1979-83. He acted as political adviser to Neil Kinnock 1983-85. He organised Scottish Trade Unionists for Labour from 1986-87.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Since 1987 has been MP for Motherwell North (renamed Hamilton North and Bellshill since 1997). He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman on Children 1989-90 ; Opposition Spokesman on Defence 1990-97 ; Minister of State for Defence 1997-98 ; Minister for Transport 1998-99; Secretary of State for Scotland May 99- Jan 2000 ; Secretary of State for Northern Ireland since Jan 2000.

Stephen Byers - Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions [NEW]

Born : in April 1953 in Wolverhampton

Education/Profession : Educated went to school in Cheshire. He studied at Chester College, and Liverpool Polytechnic where he read Law. He worked as a senior lecturer in Law at Newcastle Polytechnic 1977-92.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Member of the North Tyneside Metropolitan District Council from 1980 to 1992 and Chairman of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities' Education Committee from 1990-92. deputy leader of North Tyneside Council from 1986-92 and chair of the Council of Local Education Authorities. Schools Standards Minister at the Department for Education and Employment from 6 May 1997. Appointed Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 23 December 1998. He was previously Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 27 July 1998. Secretary of State for Trade and Industry December 1998.

Andrew David Smith - Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Born : in February 1951

Education/Profession : Went to school in Reading. He completed a BA in Politics and Economics and a B Phil in Sociology at St Johns College, Oxford, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Oxford Brookes University. He worked as a Member Relations Officer for the Co-operative Society from 1979-1987.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Since 1987 has been MP for Oxford East. He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman, Education 1989-92 ; Opposition Spokesman Treasury and Economic Affairs 1992-94 ; Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1994-96 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 1996-97 ; Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities 1997-99 ; Chief Secretary to the Treasury Oct since 1999.

Robin Cook - President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons [Shift]

Born : in Bellshill in February 1946

Education/Profession : Went to school in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. He read English Literature at Edinburgh University, and went on to work as a tutor, adult education organiser, and writer.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : He first entered Parliament as MP for Edinburgh Central in 1974. Since 1983 Robin Cook has been MP for Livingston. He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman, Treasury and Economic Affairs 1980-83. Opposition Spokesman, European and Community Affairs 1983-84. Opposition Spokesman, Health and Social Security 1987-89. Shadow Health Secretary 1989-92. Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary. 1992-94. Shadow Foreign Secretary 1994-97. Foreign Secretary since 2 May 1997.

Hilary Armstrong - Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury and Chief Whip [NEW]

Born : 30 November 1945 in Sunderland

Education/Profession : Birmingham ; West Ham Technical College. Lecturer. Social Worker

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, with responsibility for Local Government and the Regions. Hilary is a member of the Cabinet committee examining welfare reform and the Ministerial Group looking at social exclusion issues. She has overall responsibility for taking forward the Social Exclusion Unit Report 'Bringing Britain together: a national strategy for neighbourhood renewal' published in September 1998. She has been a Member of Parliament for Durham West since June 1987, and was made a member of the Privy Council in March 1999.

Lord Gareth Wyn Williams of Mostyn - Leader of the House of Lords

Born : on 5 February 1941

Education/Profession : Educated at Rhyl Grammar School and Queens' College, Cambridge. He was called to the Bar, Gray's Inn in 1965, took Silk in 1978 and became a Bencher in 1991. He was leader of the Wales and Chester circuit from 1987 to 1989. He has been a member of the Bar Council since 1986 and was Chairman in 1992.

Political experience : Appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office on 5 May 1997.

Note : He was raised to the peerage as Baron Williams of Mostyn of Great Tew, Oxfordshire in 1992.

Charles Clarke - Minister without Portfolio and Party Chair [NEW]

Born : on September 21 1950

Education/Profession : 1969-73 : Degree in Mathematics and Economics, Kings College, Cambridge. 1971-72 : Sabbatical President, Cambridge Students' Union. 1971-72 : Sabbatical President, Cambridge Students' Union.1973-7 : National Union of Students' Executive (President in 1975-77). 1980-86: Councillor, London Borough of Hackney, including office as Chair of Housing and Vice-Chair of Economic Development. 1992-97 : Chief Executive, Quality Public Affairs, a public affairs management consultancy.

Party : Labour Party

Political experience : 1981-92: Researcher to Neil Kinnock MP, Shadow Education Secretary and Chief of Staff to Neil Kinnock MP, as Leader of the Labour Party 1983-92. May 1997 : Elected Member of Parliament for Norwich South. July 1998 : Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment. July 1999 : Minister of State at the Home OfficeMy current responsibilities include : Criminal Policy Crime Reduction Police Police Organised and international crime, including IOCA Bill and Terrorism Bill and Drugs.

Also Attending Cabinet

Minister of State for Work - Nick Brown

Lords Chief Whip and Captain of the Gentlemen at Arms - Lord Carter

Minister for Transport - John Spellar

ALSO SEE

Chiefs of State and Heads of Government Foreign Affairs World Parliaments Federated States and Provinces Political Weekly Factbook International Organizations

	Tony Charles Lynton Blair - Prime Minister and First Lord of Treasury Born : in Scotland in May 1953 Education/Profession : Went to school at Durham and Edinburgh. He read Law at Oxford University and qualified as a barrister in London in 1976. He specialised in cases of unfair dismissal under Employment and Industrial Law until 1983. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Has been MP for Sedgefield since 1983. In Parliament he has held the following posts : Opposition spokesman on Treasury and Economic Affairs 1984-87 ; Opposition spokesman on Trade and Industry 1987-88 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Energy 1988-89 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Employment 1989-92 ; Opposition Spokesman on Home Affairs ; Leader of the Labour Party since 1994 ; Prime Minister and Minister for the Civil Service since 2 May 1997. Also : Minister for the Civil Service
	John Leslie Prescott - Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State Born : in Prestatyn, May 1938 Education/Profession : Went to school in Cheshire, leaving to work in hotel catering at the age of 15. In 1955 he joined the Merchant Navy. In 1968 he became an official of the National Union of Seamen. He studied Politics and Economics at Ruskin College, and then read Economics and Economic History at Hull University. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Has been MP for Hull East since 1970. In Parliament he has held the following posts : Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Trade 1974-6 ; Opposition Spokesman on Transport 1979-81 ; Opposition Spokesman on Regional Affairs and Devolution 1981-83 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 1983-84 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Employment 1984-87 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Energy 1987-88 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 1988-93 ; Deputy Leader of the Labour Party/Opposition since 1994 ; Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport, and the Region since 1997 ; Deputy Prime Minister since 2 May 1997. .
	James Gordon Brown - Chancellor of the Exchequer Born : in Glasgow in February 1951 Education/Profession : Went to school at Kirkcaldy. He read History at Edinburgh University, and attained a PhD. After finishing his studies he worked as a Politics lecturer at Glasgow College of Technology. 1976-80. Following this he worked as a journalist and then as Current Affairs Editor for Scottish Television 1980-83. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Became MP for Dunfermline East in 1983. He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman on Trade and Industry 1985-87 ; Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1987-89 ; Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary 1989-92 ; Shadow Chancellor 1992-97 ; Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2 May 1997.
	Jack John Whitaker Straw - Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs [Shift] Born : in Essex in August 1946 Education/Profession : Went to Brentwood School. He then read law at Leeds University and qualified to practice as a barrister. He worked as a barrister until 1974. From 1974-77 he worked as a political advisor to Labour governments. He then worked as a television journalist until 1979. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Been MP for Blackburn since 1979. In Parliament he has held the following posts : Opposition Spokesman on Treasury & Economic Affairs 1980-83 ; Opposition Spokesman on Environment 1983-87 ; Shadow Education Secretary 1987-92 ; Shadow Environment Secretary 1992-94 ; Shadow Home Secretary 1994-97 ; Home Secretary since 2 May 1997.
	Lord Irvine of Lairg - Lord Chancellor Born : in Inverness in June 1940 Education/Profession : Went to school in Glasgow. He then read law at Glasgow University, and Cambridge University. From 1965 to 1969 he lectured in law at the London School of Economics. He became a barrister in 1967. Lord Irvine was appointed Queens Counsel in 1978. He served as a court recorder from 1985 to 1988 and was appointed a deputy high court judge in 1987. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Becoming Lord Chancellor on 2 May 1997. Note : Lord Irvine's title comes from a village in North East of Scotland. He chose Lairg as a title because his mother and maternal aunts, uncles and grandparents came from this village.
	David Blunkett - Secretary of State for the Home Department [Shift] Born : in Sheffield in June 1947 Education/Profession : Went to school in his home city. After school he studied at Royal Normal College for the Blind, at Shrewsbury Technical College, and at Sheffield Richmond College of FE. He then read Political Theory and Institutions at Sheffield University, and Huddersfield College of Education. From 1967 he worked for the Gas board. In 1974 became Tutor in Industrial Relations and Politics at Barnsley College of Technology. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Has been MP for Sheffield Brightside since 1987. In Parliament he has held the following posts: Opposition Spokesman on Environment (Local Government) 1988-92 ; Shadow Health Secretary 1992-94 ; Shadow Education Secretary 1994-95 ; Shadow Education and Employment Secretary 1995-97 ; Secretary of State for Education and Employment since 2 May 1997.
	Margaret Mary Beckett - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [Shift] Born : in January 1943 in Ashton-under-Lyne Education/Profession : Studied Metallurgy at Manchester College of Science and Technology, and John Dalton Polytechnic. From 1961 to 1970 she worked as a Metallurgist. She then worked as a research assistant for the Labour Party until 1974. worked as Principal Researcher for Granada Television until 1983. Party : Labour Party Political experience : She has held the following posts in Parliament : Assistant Government Whip 1975-76. Under-Secretary of State for Education 1976-79. Opposition Spokesman, Health & Social Security 1984-89. Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1989-92. Deputy Leader and Leader of the House (Opposition) 1993-94. Acting Leader of the Opposition May-July 1994. Shadow Health Secretary 1994-95. Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary 1995-97. President of the Board of Trade 1997-8. Leader of the House of Commons since 1998. President of the Privy Council since July 1998.
	Estelle Morris - Secretary of State for Education and Skills [NEW] Born : in Machester Education/Profession : Educated at Whalley Range High School, Manchester and Coventry College of Education, is a former teacher in an inner city comprehensive school. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Member of Warwick District Council between 1979 and 1991, serving as leader of the labour group for seven years. In 1994, was appointed an Opposition Whip, and in 1995 became Opposition Spokeswoman on education and employment. Appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for School Standards in May 1997 and promoted to Minister for School Standards in July 1998.
	Tessa Jowell - Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport [NEW] Born : in 17 September 1947 Education/Profession : Educated at St Margaret's School, Aberdeen, and the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and London. Social Worker Assistant Director, MIND Director, Birmingham Community Care Special Action Project Member of the Mental Health Act Commission 1985-91 Director, Community Care Programme, Joseph Rowntree Foundation Party : Labour Party Political experience : Camden Council 1971-84 Contested Ilford North 1978 (By-Election) and 1979 MP for Dulwich 1992- Opposition Whip 1994-95 Opposition Spokeswoman on Women 1995-96 Opposition Spokeswoman on Health since 1996.
	Clare Short - Secretary of State for International Development Born : in February 1946 in Birmingham Education/Profession : Went to school locally. She studied Political Science at Keele and Leeds Universities. She worked as a Home Office Civil Servant from 1970-75. She then directed 'All Faith for one Race', and 'YouthAid' until 1983. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Since 1983 has been MP for Birmingham Ladywood. She has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition Spokeswoman, Employment 1985-89 ; Opposition Spokeswoman, Social Security 1989-90 ; Opposition Spokeswoman, Environmental Protection 1992-93 ; Opposition Spokeswoman, Women 1993-95 ; Shadow Transport Secretary 1995-96 ; Shadow Minister for Overseas Development 1996-97 ; Secretary of State for International Development since 2 May 1997.
	Alistair Maclean Darling - Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [Shift] Born : in 1953 Education/Profession : Attended Loretto School, Musselburgh, and studied Law at Aberdeen University. He worked as a solicitor in Edinburgh before being called to the Scottish Bar and admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1984. Party : Labour Party Political experience : He has been the Member ofParliament for Edinburgh Central since 1987. Previously he was the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury from July 1996 to April 1997,Opposition Spokesman on the City and Financial Services between 1992 and July 1996 and in the Opposition Home Affairs Team from 1988-92. He was Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 03 May 1997 to July 1998. Appointed Secretary of State for Social Security 27 July 1998.
	Patricia Hewit - Secretary of State for Trade and Industry [NEW] Born : 1955 Education/Profession : Educated at the Canberra Girls Grammar School and Newnham College, Cambridge University. She was Press and Broadcasting Officer (1983-87) nd Policy Coordinator (1987-89) to the then Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. Neil Kinnock; Deputy Director (1989-94) of the Institute for Public Policy Research, and Director of Research for Andersen Consulting (1994-97). Party : Labour Party Political experience : Deputy Chair of the Commission for Social Justice (1992-94) and was a member of the Social Security Select Committee before taking up her Ministerial post. Became a Member of Parliament in 1997. Also : Minister for Women
	Alan Milburn - Secretary of State for Health Born : in 1958 in Birmingham Education/Profession : Was educated at John Marlay School in Newcastle upon Tyne, at Stokesley Comprehensive School, at the University of Lancaster where he graduated in history and at the University of Newcastle. He acted as co-ordinator of the Trade Union Studies Information Unit in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and as Senior Business Development Officer for North Tyneside. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Council until his election to Parliament in 1992 for Darlington. He is a former Opposition Spokesman on Treasury and Economic Affairs (1996-97). He was a Member of the Public Accounts Select Committee from 1994-1995. He had formerly been Chief Secreatry to the Treasury since December 1998. Was appointed as Secretary of State for Health on 11 October 1999.
	Geoffrey William Hoon - Secretary of State for Defence Born : in December 1953 in Derby Education/Profession : Went to school in Nottingham. He worked in a furniture factory before studying law at Cambridge University. He worked as a Law Lecturer at Leeds University 1976-82. He was a barrister in Nottingham from 1982-84. Party : Labour Party Political experience : He was elected Member of the European Parliament for Derbyshire and Ashfield 1984-1994. Since 1992 Geoff Hoon has been MP for Ashfield. He has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition Whip 1994-95 ; Opposition Spokesman on Trade and Industry 1995-97 ; Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Lord Chancellor's Office, 1997-98 ; Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Office 1998-99 ; Minister of State Foreign and Commonwealth Office May-October 1999 ; Secretary of State for Defence since 11 October 1999.
	Helen Liddell - Secretary of State for Scotland Born : Education/Profession : Was educated at St Patrick's High School, Coatbridge and Strathclyde University. Was economics correspondent for BBC Scotland (1976-77). Director, Corporate Affairs, Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail (1986) Ltd. (1988-92) and, Chief Executive, Business Venture Programme (1993-94). Party : Labour Party Political experience : General Secretary of the Scottish Labour Party (1977-88). She is MP for Airdrie and Shotts and has been a Member of Parliament since June 1994. From 1995-1997 she was Opposition Spokeswoman on Scotland. She was Economic Secretary to the Treasury from May 1997 with responsibility for the City including financial services, banking and building society regulation. She was Minister for Energy and Competitiveness in Europe from July 1999. From May 1999 she was Minister of Transport. From 29 July 1998 she was Minister for Education at The Scottish Office where she also had responsibility for co-ordination and presentation of policy and for women's issues. Appointed as Secretary of State for Scotland on 24 January 2001.
	Paul Peter Murphy - Secretary of State for Wales Born : in November 1948 in Usk Education/Profession : Went to school in Monmouthshire. He read Modern History at Oxford University, graduating in 1970. From 1970-1971 he worked as a management trainee for the Co-operative Wholesale Society. From 1972 until 1987 he was a Lecturer in History and Politics at Ebbw Vale College in Gwent. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Since 1987 has been MP for Torfaen. He has held the following posts in Parliament: Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs in 1995 ; Opposition Spokesman for Northern Ireland 1994-95 ; Opposition Spokesman for Wales 1988-94 ; Opposition Spokesman for Defence 1995-7 ; Minister of State for Northern Ireland 1997-9 ; Secretary of State for Wales since 2 May 1997.
	Dr John Reid Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Born : in Scotland in May 1947 Education/Profession : Went to school at Coatbridge. He read History at Stirling University, staying to take a Doctorate in Economic History. He worked as a research officer for the Labour Party from 1979-83. He acted as political adviser to Neil Kinnock 1983-85. He organised Scottish Trade Unionists for Labour from 1986-87. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Since 1987 has been MP for Motherwell North (renamed Hamilton North and Bellshill since 1997). He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman on Children 1989-90 ; Opposition Spokesman on Defence 1990-97 ; Minister of State for Defence 1997-98 ; Minister for Transport 1998-99; Secretary of State for Scotland May 99- Jan 2000 ; Secretary of State for Northern Ireland since Jan 2000.
	Stephen Byers - Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions [NEW] Born : in April 1953 in Wolverhampton Education/Profession : Educated went to school in Cheshire. He studied at Chester College, and Liverpool Polytechnic where he read Law. He worked as a senior lecturer in Law at Newcastle Polytechnic 1977-92. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Member of the North Tyneside Metropolitan District Council from 1980 to 1992 and Chairman of the Association of Metropolitan Authorities' Education Committee from 1990-92. deputy leader of North Tyneside Council from 1986-92 and chair of the Council of Local Education Authorities. Schools Standards Minister at the Department for Education and Employment from 6 May 1997. Appointed Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 23 December 1998. He was previously Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 27 July 1998. Secretary of State for Trade and Industry December 1998.
	Andrew David Smith - Chief Secretary to the Treasury Born : in February 1951 Education/Profession : Went to school in Reading. He completed a BA in Politics and Economics and a B Phil in Sociology at St Johns College, Oxford, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Oxford Brookes University. He worked as a Member Relations Officer for the Co-operative Society from 1979-1987. Party : Labour Party Political experience : Since 1987 has been MP for Oxford East. He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman, Education 1989-92 ; Opposition Spokesman Treasury and Economic Affairs 1992-94 ; Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1994-96 ; Shadow Secretary of State for Transport 1996-97 ; Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities 1997-99 ; Chief Secretary to the Treasury Oct since 1999.
	Robin Cook - President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons [Shift] Born : in Bellshill in February 1946 Education/Profession : Went to school in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. He read English Literature at Edinburgh University, and went on to work as a tutor, adult education organiser, and writer. Party : Labour Party Political experience : He first entered Parliament as MP for Edinburgh Central in 1974. Since 1983 Robin Cook has been MP for Livingston. He has held the following posts in Parliament : Opposition Spokesman, Treasury and Economic Affairs 1980-83. Opposition Spokesman, European and Community Affairs 1983-84. Opposition Spokesman, Health and Social Security 1987-89. Shadow Health Secretary 1989-92. Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary. 1992-94. Shadow Foreign Secretary 1994-97. Foreign Secretary since 2 May 1997.
	Hilary Armstrong - Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury and Chief Whip [NEW] Born : 30 November 1945 in Sunderland Education/Profession : Birmingham ; West Ham Technical College. Lecturer. Social Worker Party : Labour Party Political experience : Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, with responsibility for Local Government and the Regions. Hilary is a member of the Cabinet committee examining welfare reform and the Ministerial Group looking at social exclusion issues. She has overall responsibility for taking forward the Social Exclusion Unit Report 'Bringing Britain together: a national strategy for neighbourhood renewal' published in September 1998. She has been a Member of Parliament for Durham West since June 1987, and was made a member of the Privy Council in March 1999.
	Lord Gareth Wyn Williams of Mostyn - Leader of the House of Lords Born : on 5 February 1941 Education/Profession : Educated at Rhyl Grammar School and Queens' College, Cambridge. He was called to the Bar, Gray's Inn in 1965, took Silk in 1978 and became a Bencher in 1991. He was leader of the Wales and Chester circuit from 1987 to 1989. He has been a member of the Bar Council since 1986 and was Chairman in 1992. Political experience : Appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office on 5 May 1997. Note : He was raised to the peerage as Baron Williams of Mostyn of Great Tew, Oxfordshire in 1992.
	Charles Clarke - Minister without Portfolio and Party Chair [NEW] Born : on September 21 1950 Education/Profession : 1969-73 : Degree in Mathematics and Economics, Kings College, Cambridge. 1971-72 : Sabbatical President, Cambridge Students' Union. 1971-72 : Sabbatical President, Cambridge Students' Union.1973-7 : National Union of Students' Executive (President in 1975-77). 1980-86: Councillor, London Borough of Hackney, including office as Chair of Housing and Vice-Chair of Economic Development. 1992-97 : Chief Executive, Quality Public Affairs, a public affairs management consultancy. Party : Labour Party Political experience : 1981-92: Researcher to Neil Kinnock MP, Shadow Education Secretary and Chief of Staff to Neil Kinnock MP, as Leader of the Labour Party 1983-92. May 1997 : Elected Member of Parliament for Norwich South. July 1998 : Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment. July 1999 : Minister of State at the Home OfficeMy current responsibilities include : Criminal Policy Crime Reduction Police Police Organised and international crime, including IOCA Bill and Terrorism Bill and Drugs.