- Ten-second biography
Entered Parliament in 1997 as MP for Bury South. Was made economic secretary to the Treasury in 2005, before being moved to the Department of Health (DH) where he remains. Lewis was the only junior minister to retain his post after Gordon Brown's first reshuffle.
- What is his background?
Born and bred in Lancashire, Lewis was educated at a local grammar school. Before entering the Commons he worked in the voluntary sector for Outreach and was chief executive of the Manchester Jewish Federation.
- Where does he sit politically?
Seen as a Blairite, Lewis voted in favour of replacing Trident and introducing student top-up fees. He attacked his own party for making distinctions between traditional and New Labour voters.
- Why is he a man to watch?
Lewis is becoming increasingly outspoken. Last month he called for Brown to return to 'bold' Labour policies. Lewis was also criticised over his recent 'supertax' article in The Sunday Times as the article was said to showcase his ambitions to develop economic policy.
- Something you might not know
Lewis was educated at the same school as Carry On stalwart and Stalag Luft III detainee Peter Butterworth.
