Dr Tony Wright

Labour MP Cannock Chase

Date of birth

11 March 1948

Political profile

One of the Commons' foremost academic political experts, Dr Tony Wright was first elected in 1992, when he ended Gerald Howarth's first parliamentary career.

He quickly established himself as one of the most radical modernisers in the party and a harsh critic of the left, whom he regarded as having let down the electorate.

When Labour came to power, he became PPS to Lord Irvine, but stepped down from the role after a year to return to the backbenches.

He was appointed chair of the Commons public administration select committee and makes full use of the opportunity it provides for licensed criticism of the government.

A prolific author, he is a supporter of constitutional reform and is a supporter of Charter 88 as well as an advocate of electoral reform.

He was one of the most committed campaigners for strong freedom of information legislation and has strongly criticised the government's watered-down Act.

In 2000 he accused the government of conducting "politics for middle managers".

Contact

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Constituency office 01543 467810