STRAW, Jack Rt Hon

Member for Blackburn since 1979. Political career: Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor since 2007; Leader of The House of Commons 2006-07; Member of the House of Commons Commission 2006-07; Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 2001-06; Secretary of State for the Home Department 1997-2001; Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department 1994-97; Shadow Environment Secretary 1992-97; Shadow Education Secretary, 1987-92; elected to Shadow Cabinet 1987; Opposition Spokesperson on Environment 1983-87, on the Treasury and Economic Affairs 1980-83; Member, Islington Borough Council 1971-78; Special Advisor to the Rt Hon Peter Shore, Secretary of State for Environment; Special Advisor to Barbara Castle, Secretary of State for Social Services 1974-76; Deputy Leader 1973-74; Member, Inner London Education Authority 1971-74; Parliamentary Candidate for Tonbridge and Malling 1974. Profession/Trade: Barrister; former television journalist on the staff of World in Action (Granada Television, 1977-79). Education: Brentwood School, Essex; University of Leed LLB; Inns of Court School of Law. Languages spoken: French. Affiliations: President, National Union of Students 1969-71; Member, GMBU. Hobbies: Cooking, walking, music, watching Blackburn Rovers. b. 3 August 1946, Buckhurst Hill, Essex. Married with two children.