Pat O'Connor for Gainsborough in General Elections 2024

Military Service and Police Experience

Pat O'Connor's distinguished career began with 22 years of service in the Army, during which he actively participated in the Falklands War and the Bosnian conflict. Following his military tenure, he dedicated 13 years to Lincolnshire Police. Initially serving as a call taker, Pat managed tens of thousands of calls related to crime in Lincolnshire, gaining valuable insight into community concerns about policing. His subsequent role on the Police committee deepened his understanding of county policing operations, culminating in his position as a Crime Intelligence Analyst specializing in serious sexual offences and domestic violence.

Councillor and Governance Roles

Elected to Lincolnshire County Council in 1999, Pat served for 17 years, navigating roles both in control and opposition. His tenure included a significant role as Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Additionally, his four years as a District Councillor saw him appointed as Deputy Leader of West Lindsey District Council and serving as an NHS governor. His commitment to local governance continued as he joined Gainsborough Town Council, where he served as Mayor in 2022/23. Pat's previous parliamentary bid for the Gainsborough seat in 2010 resulted in a strong second place with 27% of the vote.

Commitment to Community and Integrity

Pat O'Connor’s unwavering commitment to community service—evident through his military, police, and council roles—reflects his core ethos. He believes that this dedication stands in contrast to current parliamentary priorities, which he feels have been compromised by woke ideologies and a compliant media. Pat asserts that integrity has diminished due to a lack of accountability, with powerful interests manipulating situations for personal gain. His return to public service is driven by a resolve to address these issues and restore genuine integrity to politics.