Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne North since 1987. Committees: Secretary, GMB Parliamentary Group 1988-97; Chair, Parliamentary Labour party Treasury and Civil Service Committee 1988. Political career: Minister of State for the Armed Forces 1998-99; Opposition Home Affairs Spokesperson 1995-97; Opposition Spokesperson, Public Services 1994-95, Local Government 1992-94, Trade and Industry 1988-92; Member, Scottish Council 1979-87; Chair, Labour Party Executive 1984-85. Special political interests: Economic, industrial and employment policy, sport. Profession/Trade: Trade union organiser. Education: Waid Academy, Anstruther, Fife; Central College, Glasgow; University of Strathclyde. Affiliations: GMB; Anti-Apartheid Movement; Elswick Harriers. Hobbies: Athletics, mountaineering, cross-country skiing.
b. 9 June 1949, Edinburgh. Separated with one child.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	19,224	50.0	-10.1	21,874	60.1
Lib Dem	12,201	31.7	12.3	7,070	19.4
Conservative	6,022	15.7	-4.8	7,424	20.4
National Front	997	2.6	-	-	-
Majority	7,023	18.3		14,450	39.7
Turnout	38,444	59.5	2.0	36,368	57.5