Studies in philosophy, politics and economics, St Catherine's College, Oxford. 1985-90, Director, Campaigns and Communications, Labour Party; 1992-2004, Member of Parliament for Hartlepool; four Cabinet positions in the British government under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including First Secretary of State and Business Secretary; 2004-08, European Trade Commissioner. Currently, Member of the House of Lords; concurrently, since January 2011, Chairman, Global Counsel, a strategic advisory firm. Chairman, Lazard International. High Steward of Kingston upon Hull. Author, published autobiography, The Third Man.