Malcolm Wicks MP, Minister of State for Pensions

Malcolm Wicks MP is Minister of State for Pensions at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Previously he was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Work at the Department for Work and Pensions (June 2001 - June 2003). Before that he was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Lifelong Learning at the Department for Education and Employment (appointed July 1999). Mr Wicks was the Chairman of the Education Select Committee from 1998 until his appointment as a Minister. He has been Member of Parliament for Croydon North since 1992.

Mr Wicks was educated at North West London Polytechnic and the London School of Economics. Between 1974 and 1977, he was a university lecturer and from 1968 to 1974 a social policy analyst at the Home Office. He was Director of the Family Policy Studies Centre before entering Parliament.

Mr Wicks has been a member of the Social Security Select Committee. His Private Member's Bill, now the Carers' (Recognition and Services Act), came into force in April 1996. From 1995 Mr Wicks was the Opposition spokesperson on social security. He was formerly a school governor.

Mr Wicks is married with three children. His recreations are music, walking and gardening.