Tom Clarke

Labour MP Coatbridge and Chryston

Date of birth

10 January 1941

Political profile

Tom Clarke is a long serving Labour member who, like many, saw many years in Parliament swallowed up in opposition.

A centre-right moderate, who is fairly socially conservative and opposed to abortion, he prospered under his constituency neighbour, the late John Smith, who made him shadow Scottish secretary.

However, under Tony Blair's leadership, he became one of the few shadow cabinet members not to join the Cabinet.

He became film minister, but was not conspicuously successful and was sacked at the first reshuffle (the post has subsequently become something of a poisoned chalice).

Since then, he has been a fairly quiet, mostly loyal backbencher.

He interests himself particularly in disabled rights.

His only rebellion against a Labour whip was to oppose cuts in incapacity beneift.

Contact

Constituency office 01236 600800