Priti Sushil Patel is a British politician who has served as Secretary of State for the Home Department since 2019 and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Witham since 2010. She also served as Secretary of State for International Development from 2016 to 2017. But who is Priti Patel behind the scenes?
Born on March 29, 1972, in North London, Priti Patel comes from a Ugandan-Indian family. She grew up in a multicultural environment, which shaped her perspectives on various issues. Patel's journey in politics has been marked by significant milestones, making her one of the most recognized figures in British politics today.
Throughout her career, she has held various positions, including Minister of State for Employment and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. Her political journey reflects her dedication and commitment to serving the public and addressing the challenges faced by communities across the UK.
Table of Contents
Biography
Priti Patel's political journey began with her education in economics at Keele University and further studies at the University of Essex. Her early experiences in various political roles paved the way for her to emerge as an influential figure within the Conservative Party.
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Also known as | Priti Sushil Patel |
Date of Birth | 29 March 1972 |
Age | 48 years old (as of 2020) |
Birthplace | North London |
Occupation | Politician |
Star Sign | Aries |
Religion | Hinduism |
Height | 5 feet 3 inches |
Weight | 58 kgs |
Body Measurements | 32-26-35 inches |
Father | Sushil Patel |
Mother | Anjan Patel |
Background
Priti Patel's upbringing in North London greatly influenced her views and ambitions. She attended a comprehensive girls' school in Watford, where her interest in politics began to take shape. Her commitment to education continued as she pursued economics, laying a strong foundation for her future political endeavors.
Her diverse cultural background has allowed her to connect with various communities, which is essential in her role as a politician. This understanding of different experiences has been central to her policies and initiatives throughout her career.
Career
Priti Patel first entered Parliament in 2010, making history as the first MP for the Witham constituency. She has been re-elected multiple times, showcasing her popularity among constituents. Her tenure includes significant roles in the Cabinet, where she has been influential in shaping policies related to international development and domestic affairs.
As a member of the Conservative Party, Patel has taken on various roles, including Chair of the APPG for Small Shops and Co-Chair of the APPG for Victims and Witnesses of Crime. Her political activism and leadership have solidified her position as a key player in the party and the government.
Role of the Home Secretary
The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP serves as the Secretary of State for the Home Department, overseeing crucial national issues. Her responsibilities include managing the Home Office, directing policies related to immigration, security, and counter-terrorism, and leading the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Overall responsibility for the departmental portfolio and oversight of the ministerial team.
- Engagement with the National Security Council (NSC).
- Management of public appointments and oversight of the Security Service.
Resignation Details
In 2017, Priti Patel faced a significant challenge when she was forced to resign from her position as International Development Secretary. This was due to revelations about unofficial meetings with Israeli officials that had not been disclosed to then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
Patel's resignation highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in political roles. She acknowledged that her actions fell below the expected standards of a secretary of state, which led to her stepping down from the position.
Salary Information
Details regarding Priti Patel's salary have been of interest to many. Reports from 2019 indicated that she held a contract with Viasat, earning £1,000 per hour for consultancy work. Additionally, she has been involved with Accloud as a director, receiving a salary of £45,000 per year.
This financial information provides insight into the various roles she has undertaken beyond her political career, showcasing her diverse professional background.
Family Life
Priti Patel is married to Alex Sawyer, a marketing consultant and Tory councilor. They have been together since 2004 and have a son born in 2008. Their family life is often kept private, allowing Patel to focus on her political responsibilities.
The couple's partnership reflects shared values in public service and community engagement, further enriching Patel's contributions to her constituency and the wider political landscape.