In July 2026, Paul was appointed Minister for Early Education at the Department for Education. Taking on a ministerial role changes how an MP works in Parliament. By long-standing convention, ministers do not table parliamentary questions, sign Early Day Motions, or speak in Commons debates outside their departmental brief, so you will see fewer contributions from Paul in the Chamber on other subjects than when he was a backbencher.
This does not mean Paul has stopped working on the wider range of issues that matter to Rochdale. It simply means much of that work now happens away from the floor of the House. Rather than raising concerns in debates, Paul takes them up directly with ministerial colleagues in other departments, through correspondence, meetings and representations made on the constituency’s behalf.
Paul’s commitment to Rochdale is unchanged. His constituency work continues in full, from regular surgeries and casework to standing up for local people on the issues that matter most to the town.
This page features a plugin from theyworkforyou.com which lists occasions that Paul has spoken in Parliament.
Click on the links below to read the full transcript and the wider debate.
