BEITH, Rt Hon Sir Alan

Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed since 1973. Committees: Chairman, Justice Committee; Member, Intelligence and Security Committee 1995-2008; Member, Speakers Committee on Electoral Commission; Vice-Chair, All-Party Arts and Heritage Group. Political career: Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats 1992-2003; Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Home Affairs 1994-99; Member, House of Commons Commission 1979-97; Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Treasury Affairs 1987-94; Member, Treasury Select Committee 1987-94; Deputy Leader, Liberal Party 1985-88; Alliance Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs 1987; Liberal Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs 1985-87; Spokesperson on Parliamentary and Constitutional Affairs 1983-87; Liberal Chief Whip 1976-85; Profession/Trade: Former Lecturer in Politics, Newcastle University. Title/Honours/Decorations: Privy Council 1992; Knighted in the Queens Birthday Honours 2008. Education: Kings School, Macclesfield; Balliol and Nuffield Colleges, Oxford. Affiliations: President, North of England Civic Trust; Chairman of the Trustees of the Historic Chapels Trust. Hobbies: Historic buildings, music, walking, boats.
b. 20 April 1943, Cheshire. Widower with two children (one deceased). Re-married.