Paul Donaghy 
 

Paul is a committed community advocate, Royal Navy veteran, and Branch Chairman for Reform UK in Washington & Gateshead South. 

Paul lives in Washington with his wife and children, choosing to make the town their home because of its strong community spirit and family‑focused values.
A former councillor and the first Reform UK councillor in the region, Paul has played a pioneering role in establishing a stronger Reform presence across the North East. His attributes his service in the Royal Navy for his strong sense of duty, discipline, and public service, qualities that continue to guide his work in local politics.

Alongside his public service, Paul is an experienced business leader, having held senior management roles within the hospitality sector. This background gives him a clear understanding of how organisations should operate, how to manage people effectively, and how to deliver results. He knows what it takes to get things done and to ensure services run efficiently and responsibly.

Paul’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and practical, common‑sense solutions is reflected throughout his career, In his political and community work, Paul is known for his hands‑on leadership, strong organisational skills, and determination to stand up for residents who feel ignored or let down. He has played a key role in local campaigning, grassroots organisation, and resident engagement, always prioritising transparency and direct communication.

Paul focuses on:

Empowering local communities
Challenging ineffective decision‑making
Improving public services
Ensuring residents’ voices are heard
Delivering practical, real‑world results

Paul’s approach is simple: listen to people, act on their concerns, and fight for meaningful change.