Stephen Hughes MEP voted new Deputy Leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament - 2009-06-24

Today an overwhelming majority, 96%, of Socialist MEPs voted for Stephen Hughes MEP as new Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said:

"Stephen Hughes is a hard working MEP and highly regarded in the Socialist Group and the European Parliament. The respect of his colleges was reflected in this outstanding result. Having served as an MEP since 1984, Stephen has held a number of key positions in the Parliament and has a great record of achievement. As Vice-President of our newly formed Group, Stephen will be a great asset to us all, promoting action in support of a Social Europe."

Stephen Hughes MEP, newly elected Deputy Leader of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, commented:

"It is a tremendous honour to become Vice President of the Group and on behalf of the European Parliamentary Labour Party (EPLP). I am looking forward to dealing with a challenging portfolio, which includes economic and social policy, the internal market, equality and culture. This portfolio presents major challenges, and with the help of my dedicated team I will turn these challenges into opportunities." 

Ends.

Notes to editors:

Stephen S. Hughes is a Labour Member of the European Parliament (first elected 1984) to represent the Durham & Blaydon European Constituency. He has served continuously since and was re-elected in 2004 and 2009 to represent the North East Region.

Committee and Political Group Activities
- Spokesman on the Employment and Social Affairs Committee for the 200 Socialist Group (2004-2009); Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Employment & Social Affairs (1994 - 1999); Substitute Member of the Internal Market Committee and Consumer Protection (2004-2009); Former Member of the Budgets Committee (1999 - 2004); Former Member of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection Committee (1984 -1994); Former Member of the Rules Committee and the newly formed (post Maastricht) Security and Defence Committee (1989 - 1994); Socialist Group spokesperson on matters involving Health and Safety and the Working Environment.

Personal Details.
Stephen Skipsey Hughes was born in Sunderland on 19th August 1952 but was raised in Haswell Plough, County Durham. His father is a former miner and his mother is a homemaker. He was educated at St Leonard's in Durham City and St Bede's in Lanchester. He attended Leeds University and Newcastle Polytechnic where he was awarded the Diploma in Municipal Administration (DMA). Before being elected to the European Parliament he was a local government officer.

Stephen Hughes is a member of the GMB union and has, in the past, served as both Constituency Secretary and Election Agent on behalf of the Labour Party.

Stephen Hughes is married and lives in Darlington. He is the father of Gareth, Victoria, Elizabeth, Amelia and James.

› Back