Career
He contested (as Liberal) Blyth February and October 1974, Hexham in 1979, and (as Liberal/Social Democratic Party Alliance) Newcastle North in the 1983 and 1987 general elections. He served on Newcastle City Council: Councillor since 1975, City Governor, Dame Allan"s School, mid-1970s, as Opposition Leader 1988-1998, former portfolio holder, Policy Company-ordination and Development, Council Leader 2006-2010. Member: Northumbria Police Authority 1980s, Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority 1990s, 2004-2006.
Former board member, Newcastle International Airport Local Authority Holding Company 2004-2006.
Board member, One North East since 2005. Vice-President, Local Government Association since 2010.
In the 1995 New Year Honours Shipley was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. He was created a Life Peer as Baron Shipley, of Gosforth in the County of Tyne and Wear on 14 July 2010.
He is a supporter of Sunderland AFC.
