Personality Profile


While his role as PCC is non-political, he stood as a Tory candidate in 2015 against MP John Cryer, who he says gave him the wider view of politics and its effectiveness. “I believe that with the big issues, politics has no part, but pragmatism does and working together is the way to achieve the best for everyone. “I am happy to listen; we all want to hear solutions and these can come from anyone.” So what is his law in life?


“Physical and mental wellbeing are crucial,”


says the athletically slim, 6ſt 4in tall fan of cricket and football. Mathew grins as he says: “And every year I try to do more to tackle my love/hate relationship with my trainers and golf clubs.” He also tries to eat well, but confesses his desert island meal of choice would be spagheti bolognaise and lots of garlic bread. When it comes to desert island choices, he’d also take his acoustic guitar with him and confesses he’s setled for a less energetic approach to music after playing guitar and drums and, on occasion, heading up cover bands, such as Nelly’s Heroes, with friends. As for the future, as a Brexit supporter, he is ambitious for the UK to create its own destiny, describing the UK as a “net exporter of intelligence sharing” and a prized example of effective policing. Indeed, he is part of a PCC cross-party group looking to ensure Britain is prepared for the changes aſter withdrawing from Europe. He also intends to stand again for the post as PCC in May 2020, if he is selected by his party. He says: “I think the fact that I need to be invited to stand is a good thing. It is all about proactive democracy and checks and balances.” But he says there is much more to be done, including geting the public more involved.


“There are challenges ahead including


organised crime, with drug issues exported from the capital into our county; the exploitation of people and children; and ensuring the right support from the responsible authorities is available to assist the public.


“Tese are in addition to the public’s call for action on burglary and motoring offences to be treated as a priority, which they are.”


Matthew (front centre) joins Kent Police Cadets prior to a charity run in Mote Park


2016: Elected Kent’s second Police and Crime Commissioner 2015: Campaigned to be MP for Leyston and Wanstead, losing to incumbent John Cryer


2006: Elected as a councillor on Bexley London Borough Council 2005: Graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Public Policy, Government and Management. Began working in Westminster for David Evennett MP


2002: Leſt Beths Grammar School in Bexley, aged 18 2001: Joined Conservative Party


He points out that living in Swanley, in Kent, makes him fully invested, with a commitment to making the county a safe place for his friends, family and the community.


He adds: “Kent is a very safe place to live and has the best police force. It’s very accessible and the perfect place to live, work and visit. It’s close to the coast and is blessed with historic buildings, from the Roman Villa at Lullingstone, around the corner from where I live, to Leeds and Dover castles. “I am like any other in that I want to do my best to ensure Kent remains the best place to live.” He understands the public has concerns about policing and how it will meet the numerous calls on the service, but his efforts so far have increased police numbers to 3,632 full-time officers in Kent; improved response times to 101 calls and an initial £850k from Government to deal with any post-Brexit disruption. “It’s important that Kent’s particular location is regarded as a national issue when it comes to funding the additional policing that may be needed post-Brexit. We’re making a good start


on all of these fronts, but there is much more to do to ensure the balance between what the public wants from its police force and how we make the resources available.


“I live in Kent, love Kent and pay my council tax and share the view that we all want the county to be a nice place for our family to live.”


Matthew steps into the ‘blue light’ as Police and Crime Commissioner on his first day in the post


Mid Kent Living 9


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