Paul Murphy, Baron Murphy of Torfaen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Murphy of Torfaen
KCMCO KSG PC
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Official portrait, 2019
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| Secretary of State for Wales | |
| In office 24 January 2008 – 5 June 2009 |
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| Prime Minister | Gordon Brown |
| Preceded by | Peter Hain |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hain |
| In office 28 July 1999 – 24 October 2002 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Alun Michael |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hain |
| Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee | |
| In office 6 May 2005 – 24 January 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Ann Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Beckett |
| Secretary of State for Northern Ireland | |
| In office 24 October 2002 – 6 May 2005 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | John Reid |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hain |
| First Minister of Northern Ireland | |
| In office 24 October 2002 – 6 May 2005 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | John Reid |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hain |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 20 October 2015 Life Peerage |
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| Member of Parliament for Torfaen |
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| In office 11 June 1987 – 30 March 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Leo Abse |
| Succeeded by | Nick Thomas-Symonds |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 November 1948 Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales |
| Political party | Labour |
| Alma mater | Oriel College, Oxford |
| Website | Constituency website |
Paul Peter Murphy, Baron Murphy of Torfaen (born 25 November 1948) is a British politician from the Labour Party. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Torfaen from 1987 to 2015. He also served as a top government minister in the Cabinet from 1999 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2009. His roles included being the Northern Ireland Secretary and Welsh Secretary. After leaving the House of Commons, he was given a special title that allowed him to become a member of the House of Lords for life.
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About Paul Murphy
Paul Peter Murphy was born on 25 November 1948. His parents were Ronald and Marjorie Murphy. Ronald, his father, was a miner with Irish family roots. His mother, Marjorie, was English. The family was very religious and followed the Catholic faith. Paul also has a younger brother named Neil.
Education and Early Career
Paul Murphy went to St Francis Roman Catholic School in Abersychan. He also attended West Monmouth School in Pontypool. Later, he studied history at Oriel College, Oxford, a famous university. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a management trainee. He then became a teacher of Government and History at Ebbw Vale College of Further Education. Paul Murphy has never married. He once joked that he had so many books, there was only enough room for him.
Starting in Politics
Paul Murphy joined the Labour Party when he was just 15 years old. He was also a member of the Transport and General Workers Union. From 1971 to 1987, he was the Secretary for the local Labour Party in Pontypool/Torfaen. He was a member of the Torfaen Council from 1973 to 1987. He also led its finance committee for ten years, from 1976 to 1986. In 1979, he ran for election in the Wells area but was not elected.
Important Government Roles
Paul Murphy became the Member of Parliament for Torfaen, Wales, in the 1987 election. When his party was not in power, he spoke for them on foreign affairs. He later became their spokesperson for the navy.
Ministerial Positions
After the 1997 election, Paul Murphy was given a role as a Minister of State for Northern Ireland. He joined the Cabinet in July 1999. This happened when he was appointed as the Secretary of State for Wales. He held this important job from 1999 to 2002.
In 2002, he moved to a different government department. He became the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. He worked in this role until 2005. After that, he became the chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee. This committee looks at the work of the UK's spy agencies. He also worked with groups that connect British and Irish politicians.
Return to Cabinet
In January 2008, Paul Murphy was again appointed Secretary of State for Wales. He also led a new government committee. This committee focused on keeping computer information safe. In April 2008, he was also made the Government's Minister for Digital Inclusion. This role aimed to help more people use computers and the internet.
Before joining the Cabinet, he was a Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office. He worked there from 1997 to 1999. He helped negotiate parts of the Good Friday Agreement. This agreement was important for peace in Northern Ireland. He left the Cabinet in 2009.
Helping Students
In 2013, Paul Murphy wrote a report. It looked at why fewer students from Welsh state schools were getting into top universities. These universities include Oxford and Cambridge. His report suggested creating the Seren Network. This network helps connect schools with top universities. It aims to help more Welsh students achieve their academic goals.
Parliamentary Expenses
Paul Murphy faced some questions about his expenses claims. These were revealed by a newspaper during a wider issue with parliamentary expenses. He claimed money for a new boiler in his Westminster home. He also claimed for items like a toilet roll holder, new carpet, and a television. He also claimed for mortgage payments. He was asked to pay back some money for cleaning costs, mortgage payments, and a wardrobe.
Personal Life
On 20 October 2015, Paul Murphy was given a special title. He became Baron Murphy of Torfaen. This title allows him to be a member of the House of Lords for the rest of his life. He is also a member of the Oxford and Cambridge Club.
