Career
He was the State Secretary for Defence in the Cabinet Kok II serving from 3 August 1998 until 22 July 2002. And the State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment in the Cabinets Balkenende II and III serving from 17 June 2004 until 22 February 2007. He served as Acting Mayor of Delfzijl from 18 August 2003 until 1 May 2004.