He said he had spent 14 years in opposition as MP for Sedgefield in County Durham and had been powerless to effect change because Labour's weakness in the south had meant it was unable to win elections.

BBC: You are in: UK Politics

Winding up the day's business in the Commons on 14 September 2010, the Wirral South MP said that young people face a very tough labour market with not enough work opportunities.

BBC: Adjournment debate

The MP has previously admitted to not holding constituency surgeries since receiving violent threats 14 years ago.

BBC: Claims MP Sir Stuart Bell cannot be contacted probed