Andy Redfern has lived in the Gateshead constituency for the past 14 years. A committed environmentalist, he has worked in sustainable trade since moving to the North East - first for fair trade pioneer Traidcraft and then for Ethical Superstore and Natural Collection. He has also served on the board of Cafedirect and the British Association Fair Trade Shops. He is a regular speaker at conferences on fair and sustainable trade issues. He is a committed vegetarian, cyclist and runner. He is intent on challenging Labour hypocrisy head-on and giving people an alternative to the incumbent party that takes the support of local people for granted.