Paul Rowen entered Parliament in 2005, gaining this seat from the Labour Party.

After attending Bishop Henshaw Memorial High School, Paul Rowen read Chemistry and Geology at Nottingham University. He taught for three years in Nottingham before returning to the North West. Before his election he was Deputy Head of Yorkshire Martyrs Catholic College, Bradford. In his spare time he enjoys hill-walking, travel and reading.

Paul became involved with the Liberals as a Young Liberal in 1972 when he helped get Sir Cyril Smith elected to parliament. He was first elected to Rochdale Council in 1983, became leader of the Lib Dem Group in 1990 and was Council Leader between 1992 and 1996, and again between 2004 and 2005.

As an MP his work on local issues includes: the campaign to save maternity child care and obstetric services at Rochdale Infirmary; issue of contaminated brown field sites; smoke alarm provision; and the campaign against tuition fees. He has also campaigned on climate change, spoken against Trident, and has questioned the Government's stance on the "War on Terror".

Paul is a member of the Lib Dem Work and Pension's Team. Paul, who previously had responsibility for disability issues, has now seen his job widened to cover work, welfare reform, and disability employment.

Paul said, "I am pleased to have been given extra responsibility in Nick's reshuffle. The Liberal Democrats have radical new proposals aimed at reducing poverty and tackling the huge inequalities that this Government is presiding over.

This Government is systematically failing us and the Conservatives offer no creditable alternative. I will particularly be focusing on the complexities of the benefits system which acts as a disincentive to work. More...

I look forward to working with Danny Alexander MP and John Barrett MP and the rest of our team to hold the government to account, ensuring that people across the country get the best deal from our public services. I look forward to my increased role."

Paul is also a Lib Dem Whip and is a member of the influential Public Administration Committee.