Eric Joyce

Labour MP Falkirk West

Date of birth

13 October 1960

Political profile

Eric Joyce achieved a remarkable feat when he was denounced by Conservatives long before he entered Parliament in December 2000.

As an army officer and career soldier, he had attracted attention when, in a Fabian pamphlet, he accused the armed forces of being racist and class ridden.

He also sought selection as a Labour candidate for the inaugural Scottish parliamentary elections, leading to calls from the opposition for his court martial.

After his discharge from the army, he worked for the Commission for Racial Equality before being selected to fight the Falkirk West by-election following the resignation of Dennis Canavan.

He was heavily supported by cabinet ministers during the campaign, and was promoted as an "independent minded" candidate.

In Parliament, he has contributed especially on military matters and on issues of social exclusion.

Contact

Commons office: 020 719 6210

[e-mail]