Chris Pond

Labour MP Gravesham

Date of birth

25 September 1952

Political profile

Chris Pond was first elected to the Commons in 1997, and was already well known as a campaigner on social issues.

He was a stalwart of the Low Pay Unit, and had written many books and academic tracts on equality, pay issues and social exclusion.

In Parliament, he established a reputation as an active backbencher and is a member of the social security select committee.

He has been loyal to the government in the Commons, including making a speech defending the controversial cuts to incapacity benefits.

In 1999 he became parliamentary private secretary to the Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo.

And he rose further in June 2003, being appointed as a junior minister at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 1175

[e-mail]