Clark sought reselection by the South Shields Constituency Labour Party to contest the 2001 general election for the seat. However, control of the constituency Party had swung in favour of a vocal group of critics, led by a faction within South Tyneside Council, who feared Clark actually intended to stand down when the General Election was called, thus enabling the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to parachute a favoured candidate into the Constituency, historically a safe Labour seat. During the reselection contest Clark vigorously denied the claims and told the "Shields Gazette" newspaper advising he had every intention of contesting the general election. In the event, Clark won reselection thanks to the support of regional trade union barons.