“By the end of the year, work had begun on the follow up to Norfolk Coast. However, life was becoming a little unsettled for Paul in the Stranglers camp – and things just weren’t gelling as they once used to. After a near fatal car crash on the night of December 18th, Paul decided that maybe the time had come for him to move on.

A stressful & emotional few months ensued and on May 4th 2006, and after much soul searching, Paul left the band after 16 years of service.
(According to his former colleagues, Paul’s stint with the Stranglers was actually longer than that of his illustrious predecessor, Hugh Cornwell)”
http://www.soulsec.com/bio/