Member for Jarrow since 1997. Political career: Member, South Tyneside Council 1985-97. Education: Springfield Comprehensive, Jarrow; Newcastle University, BA (Hons). Affiliations: UCATT. Hobbies: Sport, music.
b. 6 December 1959, Jarrow. Single.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,554	60.5	-5.6	22,777	66.1
Lib Dem	6,650	19.6	4.5	5,182	15
Conservative	4,807	14.2	-0.5	5,056	14.7
UKIP	1,567	4.6	2.5	716	2.1
SNH	400	1.2	-	-	-
Independent	-	-	-	391	1.1
Independent	-	-	-	357	1
Majority	13,904	40.9		17,595	51
Turnout	33,978	55.0	0.4	34,479	54.6