Christian Matheson

In two years, Chris Matheson oversaw Chester’s transformation from one of the most marginal seats in the country to a relative safe seat in 2017. Matheson has been a member of the Commons’ culture, media and sport committee and the digital, culture, media and sport committee. He became shadow minister for the Cabinet Office in 2018. Before becoming an MP, Matheson worked as a manager in the electricity industry and for Unite. Matheson has advocated for environmental protection and campaigned against pension inequality for WASPI women, as well as fracking and school cuts. Moreover, Matheson has openly stated that the more he learns about the issues around the EU referendum, the “less [he] actually respects the result.” A staunch Remainer, Matheson supports a second referendum. Following the referendum result, Matheson joined the scores of Corbyn’s shadow cabinet team who resigned, leaving his role as PPS to the shadow justice team. Matheson also joined over 100 Labour MPs who signed a statement that criticised the readmittance of Chris Williamson into the party. In 2016, Matheson supported Owen Smith’s bid for leadership: however, he subsequently rejoined the shadow cabinet. In April 2020, he was appointed shadow culture minister.