Paul Holmes (politician)
| Paul Holmes | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Chair of the Liberal Democrats | |
|
In office 5 May 2005 – 6 May 2010 |
|
| Leader |
Charles Kennedy Menzies Campbell Nick Clegg |
| Preceded by | Matthew Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Member of Parliament for Chesterfield |
|
|
In office 8 June 2001 – 12 April 2010 |
|
| Preceded by | Tony Benn |
| Succeeded by | Toby Perkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
16 January 1957 Sheffield, England |
| Political party |
Social Democrats (Before 1988) Liberal Democrats (1988–present) |
| Spouse(s) | Raelene |
| Children | 2 daughters 1 son |
| Alma mater |
University of York University of Sheffield |
| Website | Official website |
Paul Robert Holmes (born 16 January 1957, Sheffield) is a politician in the United Kingdom. He was the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, previously held by Tony Benn, from 2001 to 2010.
He grew up in Sheffield on a council estate. He went to Prince Edward Primary School, Manor Top, then Firth Park Secondary School (now Firth Park Community Arts College), a comprehensive from 1969 (when he was 12).
Holmes graduated in History from the University of York in 1978 and before being elected an MP, was a history teacher for 22 years. He gained a PGCE from the University of Sheffield. He taught from 1979–84 at Chesterfield School (now Brookfield Community School), then Buxton College from 1984–90, and from 1990–2001 he was Head of Sixth Form at Buxton Community School (the successor to Buxton College).
Holmes joined the SDP in 1983. From 1987–95 he was a councillor for Brimington South Ward, then from 1999–2003 for Walton ward on Chesterfield Borough Council.
His election as chairman of the parliamentary party in 2005 was a surprise to many, since it came at the expense of incumbent chairman Matthew Taylor (a close friend of then Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy). Commentators attributed the result to dissatisfaction with some elements of Kennedy's leadership and a belief amongst MPs that the role of party chairman should be more that of a backbenchers' 'shop steward' and less under the influence of the leadership.
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