Who is Owen Paterson and how has he been involved in Brexit?

THE ex-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was a vocal MP during Britain’s Brexit troubles throughout 2018.

But who is Owen Paterson, why did he send a letter to Sir Graham Brady, and how has he been involved in Brexit?

Who is Owen Paterson?

Owen Paterson is the Tory MP for North Shropshire and former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Paterson has been called “the worst environment secretary this country has ever suffered” in a blog for The Guardian by George Monbiot.

A known Brexiteer and supporter of the Leave EU campaign, Paterson was particularly critical of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.

He submitted a letter of no confidence in the former Prime Minister Theresa May which lead to a no confidence vote being called on December 12, 2018.

The vote ultimately failed to oust the embattled PM, who came away with the backing of 63 per cent of her party.

A staunch critic of May’s handling of the Brexit negotiations, Paterson feared that under Theresa May’s management the result of the 2016 referendum would not be delivered.

When did Owen Paterson send a letter of no confidence to Sir Graham Brady?

Owen Paterson’s letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister was published in the, a matter of hours before it was announced that there would be a vote of no confidence in 2018.

In his letter he said: “The prime minister’s proposed ‘deal’ is so bad that it cannot be considered anything other than a betrayal of clear manifesto promises.”

He added: “It was a mistake to treat Brexit miserably as a problem to be solved rather than an exciting opportunity to be grasped.”

And concluded with this statement: “Throughout this process, I have sought to support the government.

“The conclusion is now inescapable that the prime minister is the blockage to the wide-ranging free trade agreement offered by Tusk which would be in the best interests of the country and command the support of parliament.”

What is Owen Paterson’s net worth, is he married and does he have any children?

He is married to Rose Ridley, who passed away on June 24, 2020.

The couple had two sons and a daughter together – Felix, Ned and Evie.

Paterson’s net worth is estimated at £1.5million.