About

Pat was born in Scotland in 1965 and grew up in Glasgow as the youngest of seven children.

His parents came to Scotland from Ireland in the 1950s. His father worked as a labourer and his mother in a local authority children’s home.

Pat was educated at Holyrood Secondary School in the south side of Glasgow and studied politics at Edinburgh University.

He worked as a researcher for Donald Dewar MP, a speechwriter for John Smith MP and an adviser to Tony Blair, both in opposition and later in 10 Downing St.

In 2005 he was elected as MP for Wolverhampton South East, pledging in his maiden speech to fight for education and opportunity for all regardless of their background. He joined Government in 2006.

Following the election of Keir Starmer as leader of The Labour Party in April 2020, Pat McFadden was appointed to the Labour Shadow Treasury team in the role of Shadow Economic Secretary.

Pat McFadden was re-elected as the Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East in the 2024 General Election.

Pat led Labour’s 2024 General Election Campaign as National Campaign Coordinator, overseeing a landslide victory. Following the election of the Labour Government, Pat was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

In September 2025, Pat was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.