Constituency Profile: Newcastle North

Labour currently holds Newcastle North. Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

A mix of urban, suburban and semi-rural areas form the Newcastle North constituency. It takes in Newcastle Airport and Racecourse, as well as major employers like the Sage software group and the Nestle factory at Fawdon.

The area was formerly known for its heavy industries, including coal mining, but now includes the Newburn Riverside business park and the homes and offices of Newcastle Great Park.

The seat has returned Labour MPs since 1983. Catherine McKinnell (Labour) won the seat in 2010. She was first elected that year and is standing again.

The 2010 result:

Labour: 17,950 (40.9%)

Liberal Democrats: 14,536 (33.1%)

Conservative: 7,966 (18.1%)

BNP: 1,890 (4.3%)

UKIP: 1,285 (2.9%)

Green: 319 (0.7%)

Majority: 3,414 (7.8%)

The 2015 candidates:

Stephen Bates (Conservative)

Anita Lower (Liberal Democrat)

Tim Marron (UKIP)

Catherine McKinnell (Labour)

Violet Rook (North East Party)

Alison Whalley (Green Party)