Paul James was Leader of Gloucester City Council from 2007-19 and led the city through some interesting and challenging times - ranging from the floods of 2007, the disturbances of 2011 and the period of austerity from 2010 onwards. Paul was elected a city councillor at the age of 22, making him one of the youngest councillors in the country, and served for 24 years until 2020. He was heavily involved in bringing the Rugby World Cup to Gloucester in 2015 - right from making the bid through to delivery of the event.

Paul held the regeneration portfolio in Gloucester for 16 years and oversaw a large regeneration programme, bringing in over £1 billion of investment - a large amount for a fairly small city. He also served as Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester from 2002-3, having a very busy and eventful civic year. Paul's time in office brought many interesting moments and some fascinating stories.

Since standing down from the council, he has written a number of books, largely about Gloucester and the surrounding areas.