Member for for Tynemouth since 1997. Political career: Effective constituency campaign on VAT on fuel; pushed community-based councillor approach. Special political interests: Education, constitutional reform. Profession/Trade: Head of Sixth Form at a Comprehensive School. Education: University of Lancaster, BA (Hons) Politics; University of Leeds, PGCE; Newcastle Polytechnic, MA, History
b. 8 July 1957. Married with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,143	47.0	-6.2	23,364	53.2
Conservative	16,000	37.3	3.9	14,686	33.5
Lib Dem	6,716	15.7	4.0	5,108	11.6
UKIP	-	-	-	745	1.7
Majority	4,143	9.7		8,678	19.8
Turnout	42,859	66.9	-0.5	43,903	67.4