Mark Lazarowicz

Labour MP Edinburgh North and Leith

Date of birth

8 August 1953

Education

St Andrews University, History MA 1976 Edinburgh University, Law LLB 1992

Non-political career

Lawyer

Electoral history

Contested Edinburgh Pentlands 1987 and 1992

Member for Edinburgh North and Leith since June 2001

Political profile

Mark Lazarowicz entered Parliament at his third attempt, after twice contesting Edinburgh Pentlands.

He had hoped to become an MSP but was rejected as unsuitable by the panel which vetted Labour's candidates for the Scottish Parliament.

The decision was controversial, not least because of Mr Lazarowicz's day job as an advocate and his political experience.

He is a former leader of Edinburgh District Council and former chair of the Scottish Labour Party.

He also served before his election as Edinburgh council's transport chief, where he was responsible for the notorious 'Blue Meanies', Scotland's first squad of private traffic wardens.

He also pursued radical policies, firmly aimed at reducing car use and encouraging public transport.

Mr Lazarowicz is regarded as a party moderniser, and supports the introduction of Proportional Representation for local government.

Contact

020 7219 8222

[e-mail]