Paul Maynard has cerebral palsy and has found ways of adapting to ensure he operates in Government at the highest level. He has held a number of Ministerial posts, along with the Government Whip and has ensured that whilst he might get mocked and taunted in the House, it won’t be on account of his disability.

He has also doing his best to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and help families struggling to navigate educational and welfare services. There are 1,800 children diagnosed with the condition every year and yet only two have ever gone on to become elected representatives in Parliament. Paul sees many opportunities to better support parents and has been pushing other MP’s to familiarise themselves with a useful guide armed with information for constituents.

He is aware of how important it is for parents to seek early identification of the condition and secure the input from therapists that can make a huge difference. Paul tells Peter that it is important that cerebral palsy shouldn’t be holding anyone in the UK back from achieving their dreams: “Let’s make sure we play our part in helping every child gain consistent access to high quality services and enable them to achieve their full potential”

His interest in politics began at a very young age: when he was just four to be exact! Margaret Thatcher visited the special school he attended and he remembers her bending down to play with him in the sand pit. he credits those early school days with giving him the academic discipline honed from hours spent standing in callipers to strengthen his legs whilst reciting his times tables.

Produced by Sue Mitchell Show less