Biography of David Clelland

Born in Gateshead in 1943 David left school at 15, having failed the infamous 11+ exam, and was engaged as an engineering apprentice by A Reyrolle and Co which resulted in employment by the firm as an electrical tester.

He became an active trade unionist and a member of the Works Negotiating Committee. His union activities led him into wider politics and he joined the Labour Party in 1970.

Again he became an active member and was soon elected to Gateshead Council where he went on to become Chairman of the Recreation Committee and then Leader of the Council.

The tragic and unexpected death of Harry Cowans, then MP for Tyne Bridge, in 1985 resulted in David's election to Parliament in the subsequent by-election. He was Secretary of the Northern Group of Labour MPs for 6 years and was made an opposition whip by Tony Blair. On the election of the Labour government in 1997 he was appointed a government whip. After the 2001 election, David returned to the back benches.

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Promoted by Ken Childs on behalf of David Clelland, both of 19 Ravensworth Road, Dunston, Gateshead. NE11 9AB
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