Born 15 July 1967
Educated in Harrow
University of Wales BSc Econ (Political Science)1988
University of Greenwich PGCE
Harrow Councillor 1990 - 1997
Labour Group Whip - 1996
Member of Parliament for Harrow West since May 1st 1997.
Legislation:
Gareth has worked on a number of Standing Committees to deliver the Pollution Prevention and Control Bill, The National Lottery Bill, NHS Reform, Terrorism Bill, Regulation of Investigation Powers Bill and the Football Disorder Bill.
Committees:
From November 1997 to October 1999 Gareth was a member of the Environmental Audit Select Committee charged by John Prescott to be an 'environmental terrier, snapping at the heels of government ministers!' The committee produced nine reports on energy efficiency, sustainable development, genetically modified organisms. Many of their recommendations have been adopted by the Government.
Working with local communities:
Gareth helped launch the Labour Friends of India. He has visited Israel, meeting senior Israeli and Palestinian politicians to discuss the peace process. Gareth serves on the Northern Ireland Grand Committee and has been to Northern Ireland to meet representatives of all the parties working towards a permanent peaceful solution.
Working with Harrow Council:
Gareth works closely with Harrow Council to promote the borough's programme of innovation and pursuit of excellence. Harrow Council has been awarded Beacon Status giving the municipality greater freedom to improve standards.
Ministerial:
June 2003 Made Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in Department for International Development. With responsibility for: Asia; Eastern Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean. Overseas Territories; European Union; Regional Development Banks; Civic Society and Development Awareness; Human Resources of the Department. Evaluation and Policy division teams with responsibility for global health initiatives, education for all and HIV/Aids.
Parliamentary:
- PPS to Charles Clarke: as Minister of State, Home Office 1999-2001, as Minister without Portfolio and Party Chair 2001-02, as Secretary of State for Education and Skills 2002-03.
- July 2002 - Private Members Bill - successfully steering the 'The Industrial and Provident Societies Bill' though Parliament, despite strong opposition from the Conservative Party. This Bill provides a more secure legal framework for community organisations.
- 2002 - 10 Minute Rule Bill calling for a system of compulsory voting to help combat the falling voter-turnout at elections.
- Chair of the Associate Parliamentary Renewable and Sustainable Energy Group (PRASEG) from 1999 to 2003. A Cross party group for UK politicians and senior industry stakeholders that exists to promote sustainable energy issues in Parliament and the wider political community.
- June 2003 10 Minute Rule Bill 'Smoking in Restaurants' backed by over 100 MP's despite major opposition from tobacco companies.
- May 2003 - Set up an All Party Group backing the London's 2012 Olympic Bid as well as looking at improving sport at its grass roots.
Publications:
- Co-Author of the Mutuo publication 'From margins to Mainstream: Making Social Responsibility part of Corporate Culture (2002)'.
- Co-Author of the Fabian Society publication 'At the Energy Crossroads: Policies for a Low Carbon Economy (2001)'.
Political positions
- Chair of the Cooperative Party since 2000 - Gareth has been an active campaigner on behalf of the Co-operative movement.
- Elected President of Co-operative Congress 2003/2004 One of the highest honours the movement can bestow - in a ballot of co-operative societies.
- Chair of Labour Friends of India 2002 - 2003
