Chris Patten

Chris Patten (born 12 May 1944) is a British politician who served as the last Governor of Hong Kong from 1992 until the handover to China in 1997. He is a member of the Conservative Party and was previously a Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom. Patten is also known for his roles in European politics and his academic contributions.

Early Life and Education

Chris Patten was born in Cleveleys, Lancashire, England. He attended St Benedict's School in Ealing, and later went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he earned a degree in history.

Political Career

Patten's political career began when he was elected as the MP for Bath in 1979. He held various positions within the Conservative Party and the British government, including Minister for Overseas Development and Secretary of State for the Environment.

In 1992, he was appointed as the Governor of Hong Kong, a position he held until the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China. His tenure was marked by efforts to increase the democratic governance of the colony, which often put him at odds with the Chinese government.

After Hong Kong, Patten took on international roles, serving as the European Commissioner for External Relations from 1999 to 2004. He has also been involved in various academic and cultural organizations, including serving as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Later Life and Legacy

Post-politics, Patten has written several books and continues to contribute to discussions on international relations and governance. His governance style and policies in Hong Kong have been both praised and criticized.

See Also

• History of Hong Kong
• Politics of the United Kingdom

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  Flag of the Governor of Hong Kong (1959-1997)
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  Coat of Arms of Christopher Francis Patten, Baron Patten of Barnes