Nigel Griffiths

Labour MP Edinburgh South

Date of birth

20 May 1955

Political profile

Nigel Griffiths managed the rare feat in 2001 of a return from the political dead.

After the 1997 election, he was made consumer affairs minister at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), having performed the role for eight years in opposition.

During this time had made himself a name as a media friendly politician, ever ready with a comment.

But in government, stories appeared of clashes over his proposed consumer-friendly legislation, with business interests lobbying against them.

There were also reports of clashes with civil servants and Mr Griffiths broke a parliamentary convention when he publicly criticised his permanent secretary.

He was sacked after 18 months, and returned to the back benches.

Following his dismissal from government, he remained largely loyal and took the opportunity to promote his own heavily green agenda.

He led the condemnation of George Bush over his decision to renege on the Kyoto climate change agreement.

He also remained close to Chancellor Gordon Brown.

After the 2001 election Mr Griffiths was re-appointed to the DTI as minister for small business.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 3442

[e-mail]