Mr. Cook held a number of senior positions in Opposition - Shadow Foreign Secretary from 1994-1997; Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary from 1992 to 1994; and Shadow Health Secretary and Social Services Secretary between 1987 and 1992. He is a member of Labour's National Executive Committee and Chair of its National Policy Forum, and in October 1996 became Chair of the Labour Party.

Mr. Cook became Privy Councillor in 1996.

He is a keen follower of horse racing and writes a weekly column of racing tips for the "Glasgow Herald".

Mr. Cook was born in February 1946, and was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Royal High School, Edinburgh, and the University of Edinburgh. He is married with two adult sons. His wife is a Consultant Haematologist.

Source: UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, June 1997