Tom was born on 30 September 1974 in Ashford, Kent. He attended Judd School, Tonbridge (1986-1993) and studied Economics, Government and Law at the London School of Economics (1993-1996).

Tom worked as a researcher to Shadow Chief Whip, Donald Dewar (1996-97); Special Adviser to Government Chief Whip, Nick Brown (1997-98); and Special Adviser to Minister of Agriculture, Nick Brown (1998-1999).

From 1994-2004 Tom worked as a GMB official; Chief Officer in East Dunbartonshire Council (2004-2006); and Director of Corporate Affairs, NHS 24 (2006-2007).

Between 2007 and 2010, Tom worked as policy advisor to 3 successive Secretaries of State for Scotland (Douglas Alexander, Des Browne, and Jim Murphy).

He was selected by Rutherglen & Hamilton West CLP in March 2010 to stand as their Labour candidate in the General Election, which he won with a majority of 21,002.

Following his election, Tom was a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee. He stood down from the committee in October 2010.

On 10 October 2010, Tom was appointed Shadow Scotland Office Minister by new Labour leader Ed Miliband.

On 7 October 2011, Tom was asked by Ed Miliband to become Shadow Energy Minister, with policy responsibility for oil and gas, electricity market reform, renewables, National Grid, and consumer related issues

Tom’s other policy interests are manufacturing, Northern Ireland, Malawi, football governance and constitutional reform.

Tom's non-policy interests include family, football and films, although not necessarily in that order.

Tom lives in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire with his wife and twin girls. 

Last updated: 2 May 2013