Member for North Durham since 2001. Committees: Member, Licensing Bill Committee 2003; Member, European Parliamentary (Representation) Bill Standing Committee 2003; Member, Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill Standing Committee 2002; Chair, Police Reform Bill Committee 2002; Chair, Defence Select Committee 2001; Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cardiac Risk in Young 2000. Political career: Member, Newcastle City Council 1990-2001. Special political interests: Defence, transport, regeneration, Asbestos Awareness Campaign, employment, local and regional government. Profession/Trade: Political Officer, GMB 1989-2001 (Senior Organiser 1999-2001; Regional Organiser 1992-99). Education: University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine, USA; Newcastle Polytechnic, BA (Hons) 2:2, Government and Public Policy. Affiliations: GMB. Hobbies: Golf, reading.
b. 25 April 1964, Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Single.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	23,932	64.1	-3.1	25,920	67.2
Lib Dem	7,151	19.2	5.1	5,411	14
Conservative	6,258	16.8	-2.0	7,237	18.8
Majority	16,781	44.9		18,683	48.4
Turnout	37,341	55.3	-1.7	38,568	57