Stephen Bates was pleased to receive 10,536 Conservative votes at the General Election in Newcastle North on 7th May. This was a material increase of 2,570 on the result from 2010, or an increase of 5.3%. The Conservatives also moved up one place on the 2010 result to finish in a very strong second place. This was the highest absolute vote for the Conservatives across Newcastle by some margin, and was also the highest percent of the vote, at 23.5%. Stephen Bates said "I would like to thank every single person who voted for me. I believe this strong relative result in Newcastle North gives the Conservatives a very good base from which to build a much needed strong Conservative voice at the heart of Newcastle."