Alan Whitehead

I am proud to represent Southampton in Parliament. I have lived in the city for over thirty years, originally coming to Southampton as a student in 1969. I obtained a degree in Politics and Philosophy, and then a Ph.D. in Political Science. Although my work was often based elsewhere subsequently, I never left the city after that date, living first in St. Denys, then in Freemantle and now in Highfield. My wife works as a lawyer in the city, and my two children were born in the general hospital and attended local schools.

I became a city councillor for Peartree ward in 1980, and then Leader of the Council when Labour took control in 1984. During my twelve years as Leader, I believe the city prospered – the city council helped bring new life back to the city centre , assisted with the opening up of the city's waterfront, and developed new ways of making its communities work well. I had worked in research for two national charities during the 1980s and early 90s, and in 1992, I came off the City council and became Professor of Public Policy at Southampton Institute.

I was first nominated by my Party to stand for Southampton Test in the early 1980s and stood first in 1983 – during the period when Labour was largely written off in the south of England. I woke up after a depressing night at the count to find that I was one of only three candidates in the south that has actually come second!

Labour made solid progress in the seat in 1987 and 1992, and finally won in 1997.

As a new Labour MP, I was delighted to be appointed to the Select Committee on Environment Transport and the Regions. This is one of the committees scrutinising the work and legislative programme of government Departments, and plays an important role in reviewing and recommending in the light of practice and policy development.

In December 1999 I was appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Baroness Blackstone, Minister for Higher and Post 16 Education. This meant that I could no longer serve on the select committee.

Alan Whitehead thanks the voters of Southampton Test
for re-electing him on 7 June 2001

Following my re-election on 7th June 2001 I was appointed as a Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Transport, Local Governmet and the Regions. My areas of responsibility include local government, the regions and the Fire Service.

Alan Whitehead as Minister for the fire service on a visit to a fire station

Life in Parliament is busy, but I still spend time writing both articles and pamphlets, in attempting to tame my rather unruly garden, and in watching and playing football. I play 5-a-side still, and turn out for the House of Commons football Team as a rather slow defender. You will also find me on a Saturday afternoon in my seat as a season ticket holder supporting Southampton at the Dell. If nothing else, it reminds me that life really is hard after all!