Priti Patel: The Rise, Career, and Current Role of a Conservative Power Player

Introduction

Priti Patel is one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in British politics. From her early days as a Conservative advisor to becoming the Home Secretary—one of the most powerful roles in the UK government—Patel’s political journey has been nothing short of eventful. With strong stances on immigration, security, and Brexit, she earned both praise and criticism in equal measure.

In this article, we explore who Priti Patel is, her age and birthday, political career, height, husband Alex Sawyer, net worth, and whether she is still in government today. We’ll also look at what she’s doing currently, and the legacy she is building in the UK political landscape.

Who Is Priti Patel?

Priti Sushil Patel, born on March 29, 1972, is a British Conservative politician and a prominent member of the party’s right wing. Known for her tough stance on law and order and strong support of Brexit, Patel has served in multiple senior government positions, including Home Secretary under Boris Johnson from 2019 to 2022.

Born in London, Patel was raised by Ugandan-Indian parents who fled Uganda during Idi Amin’s expulsion of Asians. Her upbringing in a hard-working, entrepreneurial family deeply influenced her views on business, individual responsibility, and public service. Patel has been the Member of Parliament (MP) for Witham since 2010.

Priti Patel Age and Birthday

Priti Patel was born on March 29, 1972, making her 53 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aries, often associated with assertiveness and leadership—traits that certainly reflect her political demeanor.

Priti Patel Height

Patel stands at approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). While height may seem trivial in political life, her strong presence and commanding speaking style often project a much larger persona, both in Parliament and media appearances.

Education and Early Career

Patel attended a comprehensive school in Watford before moving on to the University of Essex, where she studied Economics. After university, she joined the Conservative Central Office, working in press and media roles.

She later became involved in public relations, working for Weber Shandwick, and gained experience in strategic communications before re-entering politics full time.

Patel’s political ideology is heavily influenced by Thatcherism. She has often cited Margaret Thatcher as a role model, particularly admiring her emphasis on individual enterprise and small government.

Political Rise: Early Roles

Priti Patel was elected as the MP for Witham in Essex in the 2010 general election, a seat she has held ever since.

Early Ministerial Positions:

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (2014–2015) under David Cameron.

Minister of State for Employment (2015–2016) in the Department for Work and Pensions.

During these early appointments, Patel built a reputation for being tough on welfare reform and a champion of traditional Conservative values.

Secretary of State for International Development (2016–2017)

Theresa May appointed Patel as Secretary of State for International Development following the Brexit vote. Her tenure was cut short by controversy in 2017 when it was revealed that she held undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials during a private holiday. The scandal led to her resignation, marking a brief pause in her ministerial career.

Home Secretary (2019–2022): A Defining Role

Patel returned to the Cabinet in 2019, appointed as Home Secretary by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Her term as Home Secretary was arguably the most high-profile—and contentious—phase of her career.

Major Policies and Actions:

Brexit Border Reform: Advocated for tighter immigration control after leaving the EU.

Points-Based Immigration System: Implemented a new system prioritizing skilled migration.

Rwanda Deportation Plan: Proposed sending asylum seekers to Rwanda—a policy widely criticized by human rights organizations.

Crime Crackdowns: Strong focus on law and order, particularly knife crime and police recruitment.

Controversies:

Patel faced numerous allegations of bullying from civil servants in 2020, leading to an official inquiry. Although the findings supported the complaints, Boris Johnson stood by her, allowing her to remain in the role.

Is Priti Patel Still in Government?

As of 2025, Priti Patel is no longer in government, but she has returned to prominence in a shadow cabinet role.

After resigning as Home Secretary in September 2022, when Liz Truss became Prime Minister, Patel stayed on as a backbench MP. However, in November 2024, she was appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary under Kemi Badenoch, who took over the Conservative Party leadership following a general election defeat.

Where Is Priti Patel Today?

In 2025, Patel is serving as Shadow Foreign Secretary, responsible for scrutinizing the foreign policy of the current Labour government. She is using her position to:

Challenge the UK’s stance on Middle East relations.

Criticize migration policies.

Push for stronger border security and national sovereignty.

She is also a regular commentator in conservative media outlets, political talk shows, and newspaper columns.

Priti Patel’s Husband: Alex Sawyer

Patel has been married to Alex Sawyer since 2004. Sawyer is a public relations professional and marketing consultant for NASDAQ, as well as a Conservative local councillor in the London Borough of Bexley.

The couple has one son, Freddie, born in 2008. Sawyer is known to be a supportive partner who briefly worked for his wife in her parliamentary office (a common practice among MPs), though he no longer holds that role.

Priti Patel Net Worth

There’s no official public record of Priti Patel’s exact net worth, but multiple estimates place her personal wealth at around £2.2 million (~$2.7 million USD).

Her income is primarily derived from:

Her MP salary and ministerial earnings.

Speaking engagements and media appearances.

Investment and property holdings.

As a long-serving MP with time in multiple cabinet positions, her financial standing is considered solid within political circles.

Public Perception and Legacy

Patel remains a divisive figure in British politics. Supporters view her as:

A bold, principled defender of national security.

A trailblazing woman of colour in British Conservatism.

A committed Brexiteer.

Critics argue that she:

Lacks empathy in her policies, particularly toward refugees.

Has been involved in multiple controversies undermining her credibility.

Embodies a hard-right shift in UK politics.

Nevertheless, her influence is undeniable. Whether in government or opposition, Priti Patel continues to shape political discourse in the UK.

Conclusion

From her early years as a political strategist to becoming Home Secretary and now Shadow Foreign Secretary, Priti Patel’s career has been a study in ambition, resilience, and controversy. She remains a powerful voice in British politics—feared by her opponents, respected by her allies, and watched closely by the public.

Her policies have left a lasting mark on the UK’s immigration and policing systems, and her future influence, whether in government or in opposition, seems assured. For more detailed political profiles and insights like this one, be sure to visit thejangoo.com.