Brian Iddon

Brian Iddon was born in Tarleton on the West Lancashire plain, educated at Tarleton Church of England CP School, Christ Church Boys' School in Southport and at Southport Technical College before enrolling to study Honours Chemistry at the new University of Hull where he graduated with a B.Sc. Degree in 1961 and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1964. In 1981, the University of Hull awarded him the Degree of D.Sc. for his international contributions to heterocyclic organic chemistry.

From 1964 to 1966, Brian was on the staff at Durham University. Then, in 1966, he joined the staff of the Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry at the emerging University of Salford. At monthly intervals for 29 years, Brian presented a popular lecture "The Magic of Chemistry" at venues throughout Britain and across Europe.

From 1977 to 1998, Brian served as a Councillor on Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council. He was Vice-Chairman of the Housing Committee from 1980 to 1982 and Chairman of that Committee for ten years, from 1986 to 1996. He has served as a Governor of several school and in various other capacities. Bolton has elected him an Honorary Alderman for his services to the town.

Brian's interests in Parliament cover a wide variety of topics in the Education, Health and Social Security and Science and Technology areas. He has grasped some difficult and controversial subjects such as the policy on illicit drugs, euthanasia, legislation surrounding the use of herbal substances, the Middle East Peace Process and the politics of Kashmir. He is Chairman of the All-Party Misuse of Drugs Group, Treasurer to the Warm Homes Group, Secretary to the British-Palestine Group and a Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. He is also a Founder Member of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, but was recently transferred to the Science and Technology Committee.