Member for Blyth Valley since 1987. Political career: Blyth Valley Councillor since 1974; Blyth Borough Councillor 1969-74. Special political interests: Employment, mining, health, housing. Profession/Trade: Miner from age 15 at Bates Pit Blyth. Education: Ridley High School, Blyth. Affiliations: NUM (27 years). Hobbies: Furniture restoration, philately, political history.
b. 14 August 1943. Married with six children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	19,659	55	-4.8	20,627	59.7
Lib Dem	11,132	31.1	6.7	8,349	24.4
Conservative	4,982	13.9	-2	5,484	15.9
Majority	8,527	23.8	-	12,188	35.3
Turnout	35,773	56.2	1.6	34,550	54.6