Member for Darlington since 1992. Committees: former Chair, Parliamentary Labour Party Treasury Committee; former Member, Public Accounts Committee. Political career: Secretary of State for Health since 1999; Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1998-99; Minister of State, Department of Health 1997-98; Opposition Spokesperson, Treasury and Economic Affairs 1996-97; Opposition Spokesperson, Health Affairs 1995-96; Member, Northern Region Labour Party Executive 1989-92; President, MSF North East Region 1989-92; Chair, Newcastle Central Constituency Labour Party 1988-90. Special political interests: Regional policy, economic policy, crime, health. Education: John Marlay School, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Stokesley School; University of Lancaster; University of Newcastle. Affiliations: Member, Fabian Society; Amnesty International; United Nations association. Hobbies: Cricket, football, cinema.
b. 27 January 1958. Divorced with two children.

2005				2001
LAB HOLD	Votes	%	+/- %	Votes	%
Labour	20,643	52.4	-3.9	22,479	56.3
Conservative	10,239	26.0	-4.3	12,095	30.3
Lib Dem	7,269	18.5	7.5	4,358	10.9
UKIP	730	1.9	-	-	-
Veritas	507	1.3	-	-	-
Soc Alliance	-	-	-	469	1.2
Independent	-	-	-	269	0.7
Soc Lab	-	-	-	229	0.6
Majority	10,404	26.4		10,384	26
Turnout	39,388	60.3	-1.7	39,899	62