Bill Tynan

Labour MP Hamilton South

Date of birth

18 August 1940

Political profile

Bill Tynan won the 1999 by-election which followed the elevation to the Lords of George Robertson.

With a majority of just 556, it was Labour's narrowest by-election squeak during the 1997 Parliament.

He increased the majority to more than 10,000 at the 2001 election.

He is a former AEEU official, and chairs the union's group in Westminster.

In 2001 he was elected chair of Scottish group of Labour MPs.

He also sits on two important bodies, the Northern Ireland and European Scrutiny select committees.

He initially was notable for his loyalty to Labour's leadership, making speeches of praise for the government's social and employment reforms.

He has, however, expressed scepticism about proposals for the wider use of private finance in public services.

Contact

020 7219 1295