Chris Mullin - Author, journalist and politician

Books include highly acclaimed diaries - "A View from the Foothills" ("The most wickedly indiscreet and elegant memoirs since those of Alan Clark" - Mail on Sunday).

Author of three novels, including the classic political thriller, "A Very British Coup" , the television version of which won BAFTA and Emmy awards and was shown in more than 30 countries.

Also, "Error of Judgement - the truth about the Birmingham Bombings" which led to the correction of one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history; made into a drama documentary by Granada Television in which Chris Mullin was played by John Hurt.

Member of Parliament for Sunderland South
(1987-2010)

A minister in three departments - Environment, Transport & Regions
(1999-2001) Responsibilities included: aviation, recycling and countryside issues.

International Development:
(February to May 2001)

The Foreign Office
(2003-2005)
Africa Minister

Chairman, Home Affairs Select Committee
1997-1999 and 2001-2003
Member of the committee since 1992

Member, Standards and Privileges Committee
(2006-2010)

A board member of the Prison Reform Trust
(2006-2010)

Born: December, 1947.
Marital status: Married with two daughters.
Educated: St Joseph's College, Ipswich and the University of Hull.