Paul was the Conservative Member of Parliament from 2019-2024, born in Ferryhill he campaigned hard for the railway station to be reopened to passengers. Along with Labour MP Sharon Hodgson he was also a prime advocate for the reinstatement of the Leamside Line. He spent time on the Transport and Business Select Committees and strongly believes that better transport is the key to delivering a better economy for the north. He was treasurer for the Northern Research Group (NRG) which advocated for a better deal for the North. He also chaired an All Party Parliamentary Group on Left Behind Neighbourhoods, a number of which are in the north.
Prior to Parliament he worked in north east manufacturing businesses for close to 40 years spending time as both a Financial Director and Supply Chain Director. After this he was a Councillor in Durham and Darlington from 2017-2021. He was educated at a comprehensive school before qualifying as an Accountant and later attaining an MBA at Durham University. He has been married for 40 years with one child, is a private pilot and enjoys golf.