John Austin

Labour MP Erith and Thamesmead

Date of birth

21 August 1944

Political profile

John Austin, who tends not to use his full name of John Austin-Walker, has been an MP since 1992.

He is, as befits a former chair of the Campaign Group, on the left of the party.

One of few London Labour MPs to support Ken Livingstone's bid for his party's nomination as London Mayor, he is also a veteran anti-nuclear campaigner.

Known as a strongly constituency centred MP, and defender of south London interests, Mr Austin combines this with a passion for international affairs.

He has drawn attention to state oppression throughout the world, especially the Middle East.

Before his election, he was the director of the Bexley Council for Racial Equality, and sat on the boards of a large number of quangos and pressure groups.

He is a former leader of Greenwich Council.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 5195