Profile

Mary Ann Sieghart explores the life and career of Lord Patten, the Conservative peer who has achieved a number of high profile posts in a long political career. A former speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher, he became a 'One Nation' Conservative, serving in a number of ministerial roles before accepting the Chairmanship of the party in difficult political times. He steered his party to victory in the 1992 general election but lost his own seat in the process. He was quickly installed as the Governor of Hong Kong, managing the handover of the former colony to China. He also oversaw the handing over of police powers in Northern Ireland and served as European Commissioner. Now he's the preferred candidate to take control of the BBC Trust in another, new role.