Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne East and Wallsend since 1983. Political career: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food since 1998; Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury and Chief Whip 1997-98; Deputy Chief Whip, Parliamentary Labour Party 1995-97; Shadow Minister of State for Health 1994-95; Shadow Deputy Leader of the House 1992-94; Opposition Spokesperson on Taxation and Public Accounts 1988-94, on Legal Affairs 1985-88; Member, Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council since 1980. Profession/Trade: Legal Adviser, Northern Region of GMBATU. Education: Tunbridge Wells Technical High School; University of Manchester.
b. 13 June 1950.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	17,462	55.1	-8.0	20,642	63.1
Lib Dem	9,897	31.2	11.6	6,419	19.6
Conservative	3,532	11.2	-0.7	3,873	11.8
Soc Alt	582	1.8	-	-	-
Communist Brit	205	0.7	0.7	126	0.4
Green	-	-	-	651	2
Independent	-	-	-	563	1.7
Soc Lab	-	-	-	420	1.3
Majority	7,565	23.9		14,223	43.5
Turnout	31,678	55.7	2.5	32,694	53.2