Martin has lived in Battersea for over 30 years, and was MP from 1997 till April 2010. He was previously a journalist for several national newspapers, including The Daily Mail and The Guardian. 

In Parliament, Martin recently led a successful campaign for a referendum on a more modern, fairer voting system to be held in the next year.

He has twice led campaigns to save Battersea Arts Centre from closure by the Conservative council; and is currently fighting for improved local transport links, a new school and legislation banning dangerous dogs in order to tackle anti-social behaviour.

During Martin’s time in Parliament, he has helped 25,000 local people through his weekly surgeries and parliamentary casework. 

As well as domestic politics, Martin is concerned about peace and justice in Israel and Palestine and is Chair of Labour Friends of Palestine & the Middle East; and since working as an MP, has visited Israel and Gaza three times campaigning for peace talks. 

Martin lives in Battersea with his wife and two step-daughters, as well as having two grown-up daughters. He has run the London Marathon twice and cycles to work in Westminster; and as of last year he was named as the 13th lowest spending MP in Parliament.

He was educated at the Universities of Oxford and Lyon, speaks three European languages, supports Fulham FC, and plays the trumpet.