Paul Clark

Labour MP Gillingham

Date of birth

29 April 1957

Education Political profile

Paul Clark's victory in Gillingham in 1997, and his success in holding the seat in 2001, were among Labour's most unexpected results in both elections.

Mr Clark is a very local MP, having served for many years on the local council, including a stint as leader of the Labour group, and fighting the seat in 1992.

He also has strong roots in the Labour movement as an AEEU official and manager of TUC education centre.

When he speaks in Parliament his comments are mostly related to local issues.

He has never rebelled against the Labour whip, and joined the "payroll vote" as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Lord Irvine in 1999.

After the 2001 election he served as PPS to Lord Falconer before being made a whip in the June 2003 reshuffle.

Contact

Commons office: 020 7219 5207

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