Member for Durham North West since 1987. Political career: Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Government Chief Whip since 2001; Minister of State, Environment Transport and the Regions 1997-2001; Shadow Local Government Minister 1995-97; Labour Frontbench Treasury Team 1994-95; Parliamentary Private Secretary to John Smith, Leader of the Party 1996-97 and 1992-94; Labour Frontbench Education Team 1988-92.
Special political interests: Regional policy, employment, education, welfare, international development. Profession/Trade: Lecturer in youth and community work. Education: Monk Wearmouth Comprehensive School; West Ham College of Technology; Birmingham University.
Affiliations: Amicus, MSF. Hobbies: Reading, theatre, supporting Sunderland AFC.
b. 30 November 1945, Sunderland. Married.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	21,312	53.9	-8.6	24,526	62.5
Lib Dem	7,869	19.9	5.0	5,846	14.9
Conservative	6,463	16.4	-4.5	8,193	20.9
Independent	3,865	9.8	-	-	-
Soc Lab	-	-	-	661	1.7
Majority	13,443	34.0		16,333	41.6
Turnout	39,509	57.9	-0.5	39,226	58.5