The Rt. Hon. Frank Field MP

Born in London in 1942, Frank was educated at St. Clements Danes Grammar School, before graduating from the University of Hull.

He furthered his education at Warwick University where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law in 1996, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Southampton University in the same year. Since then he has been the recipient of further Honorary Fellowships from South Bank University in 2001 and Canterbury Christ Church University College in 2002.

Frank has had many career affiliations, most notably Director of the Child Poverty Action Group from 1969 until he became the Labour Member of Parliament for Birkenhead ten years later. He was also the director of the Low Pay Unit from 1974 to 1980.

Frank cares deeply about social issues and is recognised as one of the Commons’ leading authorities on pension reform, welfare, income distribution, taxation, social security and industrial policy.

An active member of the House, Frank is a former front bench spokesman on Education and Social Security, as well as a former Chair of the Social Security Select Committee. Following Labour’s election victory in 1997 he served as Minister of State for Welfare Reform until 1998.

Frank is a key speaker and prolific writer – penning no less than 13 publications since 1982 and covering a broad spectrum of political topics including 'Poverty and Politics', 'Policies against Low Pay', 'Europe isn’t Working' and more recently 'Reflections on Welfare Reform'.

In addition to his many political responsibilities, Frank is also Chairman of the Churches Conservation Trust, a director of the United Learning Trust, and a non-executive director of Medicash.