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Revision as of 18:30, 22 October 2006 by Versalius (talk | contribs) (→Statistics)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)- This article discusses the politician Michael Wood. For the historian and presenter, see Michael Wood.
Michael Roy Wood (born March 3, 1946, Crewe) is a British politician, and Labour Member of Parliament for Batley and Spen , first elected in 1997. He is opposed to Tony Blair, and is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group, and is considered one of the most rebellious Labour MPs.
Personal Life
He was educated at Leeds Metropolitan University, gaining a degree in History and Politics, and trained as a probation officer before becoming a full time politican.
He lists his interests as reading, music, sport, ornithology and walking. He was also the founder member of two workers' co-operatives.
Mr Wood is an executive member of the Penal Affairs Group, a patron of the National Association of Market Authorities, a member of the Campaign for State Education and the Working Class Movement Library and a friend of Birzeit University
Political Life
From 1980 to 1988, he represented his then hometown Cleckheaton as a councillor - during that time he was chair of the housing committee and the social services committee and was deputy leader of the council.
He joined the Labour party in 1966, aged twenty. His political interests are described as: "law and order, animal welfare, transport, employment, health and the environment. He is a member of the Parliamentary groups on homelessness, transport, Indo-British affairs, AIDS, animal welfare, MS, ME, disablement, human rights, Kashmir and alcohol misuse."
Statistics
As of the start of the 2006 session, Mike Wood:
- Has spoken in 0 debates in the last year — well below average amongst MPs.
- Has attended 60% of votes in parliament — well below average amongst MPs.
- Has cast an average 5.7% of his votes in rebellion to his party, but this figure has stood at 10% since April 2005, despite being criticised locally for having to "toe the line" should he be reelected in 2005.
(source = the public whip/ theyworkforyou.com)
External links
- Mike Wood official site
- Guardian Unlimited Politics - Ask Aristotle: Mike Wood MP
- TheyWorkForYou.com - Mike Wood MP
- The Public Whip - Mike Wood MP voting record
- BBC News - Mike Wood BBC profile