Ten-second biography
Elected to the Commons in 1997, Clark worked as parliamentary private secretary to Children’s Secretary Ed Balls before being moved to the Department for Transport in 2008.
Background
Educated in Gillingham and at Keele University where he studied politics and economics. After graduating, Clark managed the TUC National Education Centre in north London.
Where does he sit politically?
Clark is seen as straddling the divide between old and New Labour. He played an integral role in John Prescott’s deputy leadership campaign in 1994 and since then has been loyal to both the Blair and Brown administrations.
Is he one to watch?
Clark has a wafer thin majority of 254 votes. But if he loses his seat, as many expect he will, Clark could still play a role behind the scenes when Labour chooses its next leader.
Something I may not have known
Clark’s maiden speech in the House of Commons was on the importance of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
To read more about Paul Clark, click here
