Ian Gibson

Labour MP Norwich North

Date of birth

26 September 1938

Political profile

One of the most highly academically qualified members of the Commons, Ian Gibson was dean of biology at the University of East Anglia before his first election in 1997.

He has used his scientific knowledge to good effect with heavyweight contributions to debates on medical and biological matters, such as on Gulf War Syndrome, which he urged the government to recognise.

His expertise was rewarded with a place on the Commons science and technology select committee, and in 2001 MPs defied the whips' choice to elect him chair of the committee.

Dr Gibson has come a long way politically since the 1970s when he was a member of Socialist Workers' Party.

But he remains on the mainstream left of the Labour Party and sat until his election on the national executive of the MSF union.

He has often rebelled against the Blair government on issues such as benefits for single parents in the first term and top-up fees in the second term.

He also favours proportional representation for Westminster.

Dr Gibson is coach of the cross-party parliamentary football team.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 4038
Constituency office: 01603 661144