Murphy, Paul Peter (1948– )

British Labour politician, Secretary of State for Wales, from 2008, Northern Ireland secretary 2002–05. He became MP for Torfaen, in Wales, in 1987 and was Welsh secretary 1999–2002. Previously, he had been a minister of state at the Northern Ireland Office, 1997–99, helping to negotiate the Good Friday agreement.

Born in Usk, Gwent, he studied at Oxford University and later became a lecturer in history and politics in Ebbw Vale. Before being elected MP, he had been a member of the Torfaen borough council since 1973.