[1] He worked as a social worker in Wolverhampton for six years from 1977, and from 1978 to 1982 was a shop steward with the National and Local Government Officers Association.

In 1983, he was appointed manager of the Priory in Thatcham, providing alternatives to care and custody for young people for Berkshire Social Services.

[2] He was re-elected as MP for Birmingham Hall Green at the 2001 general election with an increased vote share of 54.6% and a decreased majority of 6,648.

[4] In October 2006, McCabe applied for selection to the redrawn constituency of Birmingham Selly Oak, which incorporated much of his existing seat.

[11][12] In July 2013, McCabe called for a referendum on remaining in the EU to be held "as soon as possible", stating he found himself "at odds with his party" on the issue.

[22] Due to his statements in Parliament and his role as chair of the Labour Friends of Israel, Palestine Solidarity campaign (PSC) and the local group Palestine Solidarity Selly Oak have organised protests outside his surgeries, calling on him to engage with constituents' views effectively or resign.

[25] He was created Baron McCabe, of Selly Oak in the City of Birmingham and of Broadfield in the County of Renfrewshire on 7 February 2025.

[27] In August 2017, McCabe suffered minor facial injuries after a motorcyclist in Kings Heath, Birmingham threw a brick at him, which he reported to the police.