The former chief executive of the Mayor’s Fund for London has been elected as an MEP for the newly-formed Brexit Party.
Matthew Patten, who led the charity from 2012 to 2018, announced his candidacy last month and was elected on Sunday as the Brexit Party won 29 of the 72 available seats across the UK.
Patten was elected as an MEP for East Midlands region along with journalist Annunziata Rees-Mogg and former UKIP seat holder Jonathan Bullock.
Responding to his election, Patten posted on social media: “A real team effort, including so many volunteers and supporters. Thank you.”
A real team effort, including so many volunteers and supporters. Thank you. https://t.co/u57IGl7VMb
— Matthew Patten (@math_patten) 27 May 2019
It is likely that Patten and the other newly elected MEPs will only hold their seats for a few months as the UK is currently scheduled to leave the European Union by 31 October.
‘Burning desire’
Patten has held roles in the sector for 15 years including a stint until February this year as interim chief executive at children’s charity the Martin James Foundation.
He also worked as senior project consultant for BBC Children in Need last year, and was chief executive of cricket charity Lord’s Taverners from 2008 to 2012.
In a YouTube video announcing his candidacy last month, Patten said: “I’m standing for the Brexit Party because I believe in unlocking Britain’s potential.
“For nearly 15 years I have worked for some of Britain’s leading charities, helping children and young people and families in some of our most challenging communities.
“We all share a burning desire to put trust back into our political system. The thing that we all really share is a deep sense that trust is British politics is being broken.
“I am standing for The Brexit Party because I want to change politics for good.”
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