Stephen Timms

Labour MP East Ham

Date of birth

29 July 1955

Political profile

Stephen Timms was first elected to the Commons in a 1994 by-election, but has risen quickly within the Labour ranks.

He joined the government in 1997 when he became parliamentary private secretary to Andrew Smith and has gained some of the widest experience across government among junior ministers.

Besides also serving briefly as PPS to Mo Mowlam, he has held ministerial positions in four different departments - having worked at the Treasury and the DSS, and as school standards minister.

In the summer 2002 reshuffle, he became a Minister of State in the Department of Trade and Industry.

In Tony Blair's September 2004 reshuffle he became Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Before his election, Mr Timms had strong political experience, having been leader of Newham Council for four years, in which time he spearheaded the regeneration of the area.

He remains an advocate of community-led economic development.

An IT specialist by profession, he is also a supporter of the wide application of new communication technologies.

Mr Timms is a member of the Christian Socialist movement and a committed pro-European.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 4000

[e-mail]