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Profile
Former Labour Peer
Entered the House of Lords on 13 October 2008
Previously MP for Hartlepool until 8 September 2004 — Resigned
Left the House of Lords on 4 February 2026
Entered the House of Commons on 9 April 1992 — General election
Also represented Hartlepool
Social Media
Expenses
Other offices held in the past
- President of the Council, Privy Council Office (23 Mar 2010 to 11 May 2010)
- Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (13 Oct 2009 to 11 May 2010)
- Lord President of the Council, Privy Council Office (18 Jun 2009 to 23 Mar 2010)
- Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (10 Jun 2009 to 13 Oct 2009)
- President of the Council, Privy Council Office (10 Jun 2009 to 18 Jun 2009)
- The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills ( 6 Jun 2009 to 6 May 2010)
- Lord President of the Council (Privy Council Office) ( 6 Jun 2009 to 6 May 2010)
- Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (13 Oct 2008 to 5 Jun 2009)
- Secretary of State, Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform ( 6 Oct 2008 to 10 Jun 2009)
- European Commissioner (22 Nov 2004 to 3 Oct 2008)
- Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (11 Oct 1999 to 24 Jan 2001)
- The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (11 Oct 1999 to 24 Jan 2001)
- Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (27 Jul 1998 to 23 Dec 1998)
- Secretary of State for Trade (27 Jul 1998 to 22 Dec 1998)
- Minister without Portfolio ( 5 May 1997 to 27 Jul 1998)
- Minister without Portfolio ( 5 May 1997 to 26 Jul 1998)
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