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Matt BryantDirectorMatt joined Connect from the Labour Party’s national press office, where he was a key member of the communications team for the 2005 General Election campaign. As a communications professional, and a senior local Councillor, Matt has over 7 years’ experience of providing strategic advice and support for a range of organisations and politicians.Matt began his career as Press and Public Affairs officer at the Lighting Industry Federation, a leading UK Trade Association, where he coordinated lobbying activity and an All Party Parliamentary Group. He went on to work for a leading European MP, providing media and political communications support, including time working in the European Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg. At Connect, Matt works for a range of clients, including local authorities, housebuilders, and development companies. Matt was part of the team working on police force restructuring, which won the prestigious PR Week Award in 2007. |
Q: Where were you born?
In the fair city of Chester – and I’m ashamed to say it was the last time I was there…
Q: What sparked your interest in politics?
Helping my mum and dad leaflet on a local council by-election – I was only 7 and ideally suited to reaching the low letterboxes!
Q: Proudest moment?
Winning the PR Week Award for our work with the Campaign for Local Policing.
Q: How do you relax?
Watching a movie, or embracing my inner teenager and playing on the Xbox, are both great ways to unwind…
Q: Favourite film?
I should really say something like All the Presidents Men, or Citizen Kane, but the honest answer is The Rock. I know, I know, but just look at the cast – where else would you see Ed Harris, John Spencer, and Sean Connery on screen together?
Q: Which political person do you most admire?
It has to be JFK. The challenges he faced and the changes he made, all in far too short a time, make me wonder what the world would be like now if he hadn’t been assassinated.
Q: Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
(in no particular order) Alistair Campbell, Martin Sheen, Madeline Albright, James Carville, Will Ferrell, Dave Gorman and Bill Clinton. Plus their partners, obviously – not having anyone accuse me of gender imbalance…
Q: Worst political moment?
Losing control of Dartford Council in 2003, just over a year after being elected in a by-election.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
My family and I once auditioned for a TV game show. Thankfully we weren’t successful…
Q: What is the one thing you want to do before you die?
Drive across America. I would love to see Mount Rushmore; Bill Clinton’s Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas; as well as Las Vegas and drive down Big Sur.
Q: What song would you want played at your funeral?
Bring me Sunshine, by E. Morecambe and E. Wise
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