Paul Maynard
OfficeParliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions
Prime ministerRishi Sunak
PredecessorLaura Trott
SuccessorEmma Reynolds
Term start13 November 2023
Term end5 July 2024
Office 1Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Prime minister 1Boris Johnson
Term start 126 July 2019
Term end 113 February 2020
Predecessor 1Andrew Jones
Successor 1Rachel Maclean
Prime minister 2Theresa May
Term start 216 July 2016
Term end 29 January 2018
Predecessor 2Claire Perry
Successor 2Nus Ghani
Office 3Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Prime minister 3Theresa May
Term start 39 May 2019
Term end 326 July 2019
Predecessor 3Lucy Frazer
Successor 3Wendy Morton
Office 4Lord Commissioner of the Treasury
Prime minister 4Theresa May
Term start 49 January 2018
Term end 49 May 2019
Predecessor 4Guto Bebb
Successor 4Nus Ghani
Office 5Member of Parliament
for Blackpool North and Cleveleys
Predecessor 5Constituency created
Successor 5Constituency abolished
Term start 56 May 2010
Term end 530 May 2024
Birth namePaul Christopher Maynard
Birth date16 December 1975 (age 50)[1]
Birth placeCrewe, Cheshire, England[2]
PartyConservative
Alma materUniversity College, Oxford
Websitepaulmaynard.co.uk

Paul Maynard[3] (born 16 December 1975) is a British politician who served from 2010 until 2024 as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Blackpool North and Cleveleys. A member of the Conservative Party, he served Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions from 2023 to 2024.[4][5] He previously as served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice in 2019 and for Transport from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2020.

Early life

Maynard was born in Crewe, Cheshire. Owing to being strangled by the umbilical cord at birth, Maynard has cerebral palsy and a speech defect. At the age of 22 he developed epilepsy, meaning he needs to be teetotal to avoid having seizures.[6][7] He attended a special needs school between the ages of three and five before transferring to mainstream education.[8]

He attended St Ambrose College, a grammar school based in Altrincham, and went on to obtain a first class history degree at University College, Oxford. Maynard was a reader at his local church and was also a governor at his local Catholic primary school.[9]

Political career

After leaving university, Maynard worked as an adviser to the Conservative MP Liam Fox and as a speechwriter for William Hague – the Conservative MP and Leader of the Opposition. On 7 December 2000, he stood unsuccessfully as the Conservative candidate in a by-election in the Custom House and Silvertown ward of Newham London Borough Council.[10]

He came fourth when he stood unsuccessfully as the Conservative candidate in the Beckton ward of Newham Council on the 29 March 2001 and subsequently failed to get elected as a councillor on the Custom House ward of Newham Council on 2 May 2002.[10] He unsuccessfully stood as the Conservative candidate for Twickenham in the 2005 general election, finishing second with 32.4% of the vote and a 2% swing to the Liberal Democrats.[11]

Maynard was selected from the 'A List' for Blackpool North and Cleveleys in December 2006, having been on the Conservative A-List[12] and moved to the constituency to live. Maynard was elected to the House of Commons in the 2010 general election with a majority of 2,150.[13] He was the second person who has cerebral palsy to become a British MP; Conservative Terry Dicks was the first.[14]

In February 2011, Maynard told The Times about the abuse he suffered from Labour MPs, who had mocked his disability during a Commons debate on the abolition of the Child Trust Fund on 26 October 2010.[15] Various Labour Party sources confirmed that such behaviour was unacceptable[7][16] and Rosie Winterton, the Labour chief whip, and her deputy Alan Campbell were reported to have spoken to MPs about the incident shortly afterwards.[17] A few days after Maynard's Times interview, John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, issued a written statement warning MPs that such abuse was unacceptable. It was reported he had known about the incident for more than three months before speaking to Maynard.[18][19]

In October 2013, Maynard stated 'In Canada you have people going to food banks every week and it can become a habit. But there is more government can do.' Following criticism from a number of charities, Maynard apologised for causing offence.[20][21]

In 2014, he was featured in media coverage of the continuing high costs of the parliamentary expenses system, with his name included in a group of Conservative MPs with high claims for First Class rail travel.[22]

A donation, not thought to break parliamentary rules, was made to Maynard's constituency party before his appointment as an advisor to then Energy secretary Amber Rudd following the 2015 general election. He declared a £5,000 donation to his constituency party in the register of members' interests from Addison Projects in March 2015. Addison PLC is an engineering company based in his constituency near to an intended drill site of the Cuadrilla company.[23] In October 2015, in place of a normal debate in the Commons, it emerged that Maynard was a member of a committee of MPs to vote and debate on proposals to allow drilling for shale gas (or fracking) under protected areas, such as national parks, to the disapproval of the Labour opposition and anti-fracking activists.[24]

Maynard voted against the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill in 2013.[25]

In the 2015 General Election, Maynard was returned as MP for his seat, with an increased majority of 3,340. Results elsewhere left Maynard as one of only two self-identified disabled MPs.[26]

Maynard supported the UK leaving the European Union prior to the 2016 referendum.[27]

In July 2016, new Prime Minister Theresa May appointed Maynard to replace Claire Perry as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Transport. He had responsibility for major rail projects, rail safety and security, passenger services, transport funding, accessibility, and rail fares and ticketing.[28] He faced criticism due to unresolved industrial action, and consequent major service disruption, on the Southern (Govia Thameslink Railway) line.[29]

Maynard was again returned as MP in 2017, but with a reduced majority of 2,023. Results elsewhere meant Maynard was one of five self-identified disabled MPs, an increase of three since the previous general election.[30]

On 9 January 2018, Prime Minister Theresa May made Maynard a Government Whip by awarding him the role of Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury and he ceased working as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Transport.

Maynard has campaigned on a range of issues, such keeping fuel prices low and investment for rebuilding St Mary's Catholic College.[31] He has long been an advocate for disabilities, with active links to the RDA,[32] Scope and Trailblazers.[33] In May 2016, Maynard played an active role in improving accessibility of apprenticeships for people with learning disabilities. Engaging with a task force he produced a list of recommendations to be reviewed by the BIS and DWP for future consideration.[34]

In Parliament, Maynard previously served on the Work and Pensions Committee and Transport Committee.[35]

In May 2019, he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice in the Second May ministry until July 2019. During his time in role he initiated renovation of courts and judiciary sites [36] and announced the introduction of body worn cameras for bailiffs acting on behalf of the High Court [37]

In July 2019, Maynard was named as Aviation Minister. He launched the Airfield Development Fund [38]

The December 2019 General Election saw Maynard retain his seat with a majority of 8,596.[39] He stood on a manifesto backing Brexit, investing in the NHS, Police and young people.[40]

In June 2022, he proposed a law to replace the House of Lords with an elected Senate.[41]

Maynard supported Rishi Sunak in the July–September 2022 Conservative Party leadership election.[42]

During his time as a backbencher Maynard became Chair of the first ever Cerebral Palsy APPG,[43] Chair of the Assistive Technology APPG,[44] Chair of the Penal Affairs APPG [45] and was an active member of the Debt and Personal Finance APPG.[46] His interest in debt support and limited access to cash machines led him to become a member of the LINK Consumer Council.[47] Maynard donated his earnings from sitting on the Consumer Council to local charities [48]

In the November 2023 British cabinet reshuffle, he returned to the frontbench as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions, succeeding Laura Trott.[5]

In January 2024, following an investigation by The Sunday Times newspaper, Maynard was referred to the parliamentary expenses watchdog after allegedly using taxpayer funds to pay for party political material and that he claimed rent from an office used by the local Conservative Party. Maynard claimed £106,000 in printing costs since 2010, the most of any Conservative MP.[49] The Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds urged Rishi Sunak to refer the case to the prime minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus.[50]

Personal life

Maynard lives in Bispham, Blackpool.[31] He is a Catholic.[51][52]

References

  1. ^ "Paul Maynard MP". Democracy Live. BBC News. Archived 12 May 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  2. ^ Profile, ukwhoswho.com; accessed 12 May 2015.
  3. ^ No. 59418. 13 May 2010. p. 8743.
  4. ^ Smith, Sophie (2023-11-16). "Paul Maynard confirmed as Minister for Pensions". Pensions Age Magazine. Retrieved 2023-11-17.
  5. ^ "Ministerial appointments: November 2023". GOV.UK. 2023-11-16. Retrieved 2023-11-17.
  6. ^ "'MPs pulled faces at me. Quite clearly, I needed roughing up". The Times. 5 February 2011. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017. (subscription required)
  7. ^ Mulholland, Hélène (8 February 2011). "Charity voices anger after MPs 'mocked Tory with disability'". The Guardian. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  8. ^ Dunning, Jeremy (1 July 2010). "Paul Maynard MP: life with cerebral palsy and epilepsy". Community Care. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  9. ^ "Paul Maynard". Conservative Party. Archived 18 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
  10. ^ "London Borough Council Elections". Greater London Authority. Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  11. ^ "Twickenham". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Archived 24 September 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  12. ^ "David Cameron's A list MPs". Channel 4 News. 8 May 2010. Archived 14 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Election 2010 – Blackpool North & Cleveleys". BBC News. Archived 5 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 12 May 2015.
  14. ^ Rentoul, John (6 June 2010). "Unaccustomed as they are....". The Independent. ESI Media. Archived 9 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  15. ^ Asthana, Anushka & Bloch, Sarah (6 February 2011). "Labour treatment of disabled MP 'made me feel sick', says Equalities chief". The Times. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017. (subscription required)
  16. ^ Asthana, Anushka (6 February 2011). "Labour treatment of disabled MP 'made me feel sick', says Equalities chief". The Times. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017. (subscription required)
  17. ^ "Speaker takes no action over mocking of disabled MP". The Times. 8 February 2011. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017. (subscription required)
  18. ^ "Speaker urged to act over disabled MP abuse". The Times. 7 February 2011. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  19. ^ Sparrow, Andrew (7 February 2011). "Politics live blog – Monday 7 February". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Archived 1 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 18 February 2011.
  20. ^ "Tory MP Paul Maynard suggests food banks could become a 'habit' for people in poverty". The Independent. ESI Media. 3 October 2013. Archived 10 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  21. ^ "Maynard retreats from 'extremists' comments". Disability News Service. 19 July 2013. Archived 23 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  22. ^ "Carry On Claiming: MPs' £4.5m Expenses". Sky News. 9 January 2014. Archived 10 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  23. ^ Milmo, Cahal & McSmith, Andy (28 June 2015). "Fracking: Energy Secretary's advisor received £5,000 election donation from company set to benefit from controversial technique". The Independent. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  24. ^ Mason, Rowena (27 October 2015). "Ministers accused of trying to sneak through new fracking rules". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Archived 28 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  25. ^ "More Conservative MPs voted against same-sex marriage than for it". Pink News. 5 February 2013. Archived 27 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  26. ^ "New parliament sees number of disabled MPs plunge". 15 May 2015. Archived 13 September 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  27. ^ Goodenough, Tom (16 February 2016). "Which Tory MPs back Brexit, who doesn't and who is still on the fence?". The Spectator. Archived 3 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
  28. ^ "Blackpool MP given top government job". Blackpool Gazette. 17 July 2016. Archived 24 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  29. ^ Francis, Paul (5 December 2016). "Southern Rail: Minister Paul Maynard criticised after months of strike action on line". Kent Online. Archived 21 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  30. ^ "New intake brings number of disabled MPs in Commons to five". 11 June 2017. Archived 10 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 6 May 2018.
  31. ^ "Paul Maynard". Conservative Party. Archived 10 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  32. ^ RDA Northwest Archived 10 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  33. ^ "Paul Maynard MP wins award for work with Trailblazers". Muscular Dystrophy UK. 28 June 2012. Archived 4 February 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  34. ^ "Paul Maynard taskforce recommendations". GOV.UK. 11 July 2016. Archived 25 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  35. ^ "Paul Maynard MP". GOV.UK. UK Government. Archived 10 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  36. ^ "£15m funding for over 450 courts". 20 June 2019.
  37. ^ "Gov UK bodyworn cameras to curb aggressive bailiffs". 22 July 2019.
  38. ^ "£2 million new funding allocated to support local airfields". 13 February 2020.
  39. ^ "Parliament UK election results"
  40. ^ "Blackpool Gazette candidates of 2019 GE". 2 December 2019.
  41. ^ Maddox, David (27 June 2022). "'Wrong for the 21st Century' Tory MP hatches plot to chuck out unelected Remoaner Lords". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  42. ^ Dalton, Jane (9 July 2022). "Instructions from Rishi Sunak to Tory MPs over leadership bid accidentally revealed". The Independent. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  43. ^ "Action CP News – Cerebral Palsy APPG". 7 October 2022.
  44. ^ "Parliament UK Register of APPGs". 13 December 2023.
  45. ^ "Parliament UK APPG List". 17 May 2022.
  46. ^ "APPG for Debt and Personal Finance". Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  47. ^ "LINK Consumer Council Members". Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  48. ^ "MP consultancy fee goes to good causes". 9 November 2021.
  49. ^ "Minister investigated for spending taxpayer cash on Tory campaigns". The Sunday Times. 2024-01-10. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  50. ^ "Labour tells Sunak to investigate MP's finances". The Times. 2024-01-10. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  51. ^ Lee, Ceridwen (27 August 2015). "Fall in Number of Catholic MPs in the House of Commons Ahead of Landmark Debate on Assisted Dying". The Tablet. Archived 9 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 17 May 2017.
  52. ^ "Minister investigated for spending taxpayer cash on Tory campaigns". The Times.