Paul Truswell

Paul Anthony Truswell (born 17 November 1953) is an English Labour Party politician and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Pudsey from 1997 to 2010.

Born in Sheffield, Truswell moved to Leeds at 18 to study History at the University of Leeds and initially worked as a journalist for the Yorkshire Evening Post for a decade. He then spent another ten years working in local government in social services at Wakefield Council.

He was elected in 1982 as a Leeds City Councillor for Headingley ward, until his election to Parliament after 15 years on the council. He was the first non conservative member in the seat for 75 years.

During his tenure as MP he passed the Licensing (Young Persons) Bill, which tightened rules around the sale of alcohol to under 18 year olds, following the death of a young constituent.

After leaving Parliament, he was re-elected to Leeds City Council in May 2012 for the Middleton Park ward and held the position until 2022. He was later made an Honorary Alderman for the council.