I have been the MP for Greenwich and then subsequently Greenwich and Woolwich since 1992 when I won the seat back for Labour from the SDP.

My first responsibility is to my constituency and I have always attached a high importance to involvement in local issues and casework on behalf of local constituents.
I hold 6 surgeries each month in different locations throughout the constituency. These are always well attended and generate a substantial volume of casework - in the region of 600-800 letters are sent out each month.

I joined the Government in 1997 and held responsibility for housing, planning and construction as well as being Minister for London. I was Minister for Local and Regional Government in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister from 2001 to 2005. I left the Government after the 2005 General Election.

I am currently Deputy Chairman of the Construction Industry Council and a Vice President of the Town and Country Planning Association, Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Structural Engineers, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Town Planning Institute, President of the Labour Housing Group, the National Home Improvement Council and the Constructionarium, and Chairman of the NHBC Foundation, the National Centre for Excellence in Housing, the Fire Protection Association Council, the Centre for Public Scrutiny and the London Open House Supporters at Large Group. I am also Chairman of Rockpools and a Non-executive Director of Hometrack.