Member for Tyne Bridge since 1985 by-election. Committees: Chair, Northern Group of Labour MPs; Member, AEU Group of MPs. Political career: Assistant Government Whip since 1997; Leader, Gateshead Council 1984-86; Secretary, National Association of Councillors 1981-86; Vice-Chair, Gateshead Health Authority 1982-84; Chair, Gateshead Council Recreation Committee 1976-84. Profession/Trade: Electrical fitter 1964-81. Education: Kelvin Grove Boys' School; Gateshead Technical College; Hebburn Technical College.
b. 27 June 1943. Divorced with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	16,151	61.2	-9.3	18,345	70.5
Lib Dem	5,761	21.8	9.5	3,213	12.3
Conservative	2,962	11.2	-2.1	3,456	13.3
BNP	1,072	4.1	-	-	-
Respect	447	1.7	-	-	-
Soc Lab	-	-	-	533	2
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	485	1.9
Majority	10,390	39.4		14,889	57.2
Turnout	26,393	49.3	5.1	26,032	44.2