Voting summaries

MPs have many roles, but one of the most important is that they make decisions. These decisions shape the laws that govern us, and can affect every aspect of how we live our lives. One of the ways MPs make decisions is by voting.

On TheyWorkForYou, we create voting summaries that group a set of decisions together, show how an MP has generally voted on a set of related votes, and if they differ from their party.

You can see these groups, randomly ordered, below.

You can read more about how this works, the kinds of votes we include, how we compare MPs to parties, and why we think this is important.

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Priti Patel’s voting in Parliament

Priti Patel is a Conservative MP, and on the vast majority of issues follow instructions from their party and vote the same way as other Conservative MPs.

Priti Patel has never rebelled against their party in the current parliament. Find out more.

How Priti Patel voted on Business and the Economy #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Generally voted for measures to reduce tax avoidance Show votes 5 votes for, 2 votes against, 2 absences, between 2013–2018. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for.
• Almost always voted for reducing the rate of corporation tax Show votes 24 votes for, 3 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted against requiring imported goods to meet domestic standards Show votes 1 vote for, 3 votes against, between 2020–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Almost always voted for new high speed rail infrastructure Show votes 7 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2013–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted for stronger tax incentives for companies to invest in assets Show votes 9 votes for, 5 votes against, between 2011–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for.

Last updated: 8 December 2021. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Welfare, Benefits and Pensions #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Almost always voted against paying higher benefits over longer periods for those unable to work due to illness or disability Show votes 0 votes for, 12 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• Consistently voted against increasing the state pension age for women more slowly Show votes 0 votes for, 3 votes against, in 2011. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• Almost always voted for a reduction in spending on welfare benefits Show votes 28 votes for, 0 votes against, 5 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted for increasing the state pension age Show votes 2 votes for, 0 votes against, 3 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Almost always voted against raising welfare benefits at least in line with prices Show votes 0 votes for, 5 votes against, 2 absences, between 2013–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for reducing housing benefit for social tenants deemed to have excess bedrooms (which Labour describe as the "bedroom tax") Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011–2014. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for making local councils responsible for helping those in financial need afford their council tax and reducing the amount spent on such support Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, in 2012. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.

Last updated: 18 May 2022. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Home Affairs #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Voted for mass surveillance of people’s communications and activities Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, in 2016. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Generally voted for requiring the mass retention of information about communications Show votes 3 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2014–2016. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for stronger laws and enforcement of immigration rules Show votes 23 votes for, 2 votes against, between 2015–2024. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for merging police and fire services under Police and Crime Commissioners Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, in 2016. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for the introduction of elected Police and Crime Commissioners Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2010–2011. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for making it easier to remove those trespassing on land with an intent to reside there Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, in 2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for making it easier to remove someone's British citizenship Show votes 7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2014–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for authorising criminal conduct by undercover officers and covert sources Show votes 3 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, between 2020–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for a stricter asylum system Show votes 24 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, between 2015–2024. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.

Last updated: 25 March 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Taxation and Employment #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for higher taxes on plane tickets Show votes 9 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2012–2014. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted for reducing capital gains tax Show votes 5 votes for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2010–2024. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted against an annual tax on the value of expensive homes (popularly known as a mansion tax) Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, in 2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for lower taxes on fuel for motor vehicles Show votes 6 votes for, 1 vote against, between 2011–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for more restrictive regulation of trade union activity Show votes 13 votes for, 0 votes against, 3 absences, between 2015–2023. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for higher taxes on alcoholic drinks Show votes 8 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011–2017. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Voted a mixture of for and against higher taxes on banks Show votes 6 votes for, 7 votes against, 4 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted for allowing employees to exchange some employment rights for shares in the company they work for Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2012–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for encouraging occupational pensions Show votes 2 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2010–2011. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for higher taxes specifically to fund health and social care Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, in 2021. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Almost always voted for raising the threshold at which people start to pay income tax Show votes 28 votes for, 4 votes against, 1 absence, between 2011–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted against increasing the tax rate applied to income over £150,000 Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, in 2012. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for increasing the rate of VAT Show votes 8 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2010–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.

Last updated: 12 March 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Constitutional Reform #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Almost always voted for reducing central government funding of local government Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Has never voted in a major vote about removing hereditary peers from the House of Lords Show votes 0 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, in 2012.
• Voted for approving reports and recommendations made by the Standards Committee Show votes 0 votes for, 1 vote against, 2 agreements for, in 2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for greater restrictions on campaigning by third parties, such as charities, during elections Show votes 11 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2013–2014. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for local councils keeping money raised from taxes on business premises in their areas Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2012–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted against a lower voting age Show votes 0 votes for, 4 votes against, 2 absences, between 2015–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• Has never voted in a major vote about a wholly elected House of Lords Show votes 0 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, in 2012.
• Consistently voted for a veto for MPs from England, Wales and Northern Ireland over laws specifically impacting their part of the UK Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, in 2015.
• Generally voted for fixed periods between parliamentary elections Show votes 3 votes for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2010–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Generally voted against a more proportional system for electing MPs Show votes 0 votes for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2010–2016. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Generally voted against more powers for the devolved administration in Northern Ireland Show votes 2 votes for, 7 votes against, 1 absence, between 2017–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against more powers for local councils Show votes 6 votes for, 14 votes against, 6 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Almost always voted against transferring more powers to the Scottish Parliament Show votes 4 votes for, 38 votes against, between 2011–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• We don’t have enough information to calculate Priti Patel’s position on photographic voter identification at polling stations. Show votes 0 votes for, 0 votes against, 4 absences, between 2021–2022.
• Generally voted for fewer MPs in the House of Commons Show votes 2 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2010–2020. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for. Absences for this policy may be affected COVID-19 restrictions.
• Almost always voted against transferring more powers to the Senedd/Welsh Parliament Show votes 2 votes for, 17 votes against, 6 absences, between 2016–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• Generally voted for an equal number of electors per parliamentary constituency Show votes 8 votes for, 0 votes against, 4 absences, between 2010–2020. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.

Last updated: 16 January 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Transport #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Voted for adding a third runway at Heathrow Airport Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, in 2018. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for higher taxes on plane tickets Show votes 9 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2012–2014. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for lower taxes on fuel for motor vehicles Show votes 6 votes for, 1 vote against, between 2011–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted against a publicly owned railway system Show votes 0 votes for, 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2014–2016. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.

Last updated: 21 September 2021. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Housing #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted against landlords paying for the costs of building safety works Show votes 0 votes for, 8 votes against, 1 absence, in 2022. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• Consistently voted for charging a market rent to high earners renting a council home Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2015–2016. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• We don’t have enough information to calculate Priti Patel’s position on more proscriptive planning laws. Show votes 0 votes for, 0 votes against, 4 absences, between 2020–2021.
• Generally voted against stronger fire safety measures Show votes 0 votes for, 1 vote against, 3 absences, between 2020–2022.
• Consistently voted for phasing out secure tenancies for life Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2015–2016.

Last updated: 20 April 2022. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Health #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Generally voted against restricting the provision of services to private patients by the NHS Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, 1 absence, in 2011. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against smoking bans Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2010–2015. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Consistently voted for higher taxes specifically to fund health and social care Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, in 2021. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Voted for fewer obstacles for access to abortion Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, 6 absences, between 2021–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Has never voted on allowing terminally ill people to be given assistance to end their life Details 0 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, in 2015.
• Consistently voted for reforming the NHS so GPs buy services on behalf of their patients Show votes 4 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2011–2019.
• Generally voted against reducing the maximum amount an individual may be required to contribute to their social care costs Show votes 1 vote for, 3 votes against, between 2013–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted for public health measures and social restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 Show votes 12 votes for, 0 votes against, 10 absences, between 2020–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for. Absences for this policy may be affected COVID-19 restrictions.

Last updated: 7 March 2023. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Foreign Policy and Defence #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for replacing Trident with a new nuclear weapons system Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, in 2016. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Generally voted against more EU integration Show votes 18 votes for, 40 votes against, 10 absences, between 2010–2020. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Almost always voted for a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU Show votes 6 votes for, 1 vote against, between 2011–2015. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for.
• Consistently voted for use of UK military forces in combat operations overseas Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2010–2015. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Almost always voted against a right to remain for EU nationals already in living in the UK Show votes 2 votes for, 12 votes against, 2 absences, between 2018–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• Generally voted against strengthening the Military Covenant Show votes 0 votes for, 8 votes against, 7 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Consistently voted for military action against ISIL (Daesh) Show votes 3 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2014–2015. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Almost always voted against UK membership of the EU Show votes 1 vote for, 10 votes against, 1 absence, between 2016–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted against.
• Consistently voted against a second referendum on the terms of the UK's withdrawal from the EU Show votes 0 votes for, 4 votes against, between 2017–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.

Last updated: 18 May 2022. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Environmental Issues #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Almost always voted against the preservation of environmental protections after withdrawal from the EU Show votes 1 vote for, 7 votes against, between 2019–2023. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against greater regulation of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to extract shale gas Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, in 2015. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against improving environmental water quality Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, 3 absences, between 2012–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Generally voted against improving biodiversity Show votes 0 votes for, 4 votes against, 3 absences, in 2021. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• Consistently voted for higher taxes on plane tickets Show votes 9 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2012–2014. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for lower taxes on fuel for motor vehicles Show votes 6 votes for, 1 vote against, between 2011–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted against improving air quality Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, 3 absences, in 2021. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against financial incentives for low carbon emission electricity generation methods Show votes 2 votes for, 2 votes against, between 2012–2018. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Almost always voted for new high speed rail infrastructure Show votes 7 votes for, 0 votes against, 2 absences, between 2013–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Generally voted against measures to prevent climate change Show votes 4 votes for, 17 votes against, 1 agreement for, 6 absences, between 2012–2023. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.

Last updated: 20 February 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Social Issues #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Voted a mixture of for and against allowing marriage between two people of same sex Show votes 2 votes for, 2 votes against, 2 absences, between 2013–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for.
• Has never voted on allowing terminally ill people to be given assistance to end their life Details 0 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, in 2015.
• Generally voted against laws to promote equality and human rights Show votes 1 vote for, 4 votes against, 4 absences, between 2011–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted against.
• Voted a mixture of for and against smoking bans Show votes 1 vote for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2010–2015. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Generally voted against equal gay rights Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, 3 absences, between 2013–2019. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.

Last updated: 1 March 2024. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Miscellaneous Topics #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Almost always voted for the policies included in the 2010 Conservative - Liberal Democrat Coalition Agreement Show votes 50 votes for, 3 votes against, 6 absences, between 2010–2014. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for capping civil service redundancy payments Show votes 5 votes for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010–2020. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Voted for the privatisation of Royal Mail Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, 1 absence, between 2010–2011. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for limits on success fees paid to lawyers in no-win no fee cases Show votes 6 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2012–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Generally voted against greater regulation of gambling Show votes 0 votes for, 2 votes against, 2 absences, between 2011–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.
• Generally voted for the free movement of goods, and mutual recognition of qualifications, within the United Kingdom Show votes 9 votes for, 3 votes against, 2 absences, between 2020–2021. Comparable Conservative MPs generally voted for.
• Generally voted against requiring pub companies to offer pub landlords rent-only leases Show votes 0 votes for, 1 vote against, 1 absence, between 2014–2016. Comparable Conservative MPs voted a mixture of for and against.
• Generally voted for allowing national security sensitive evidence to be put before courts in secret sessions Show votes 3 votes for, 0 votes against, 3 absences, between 2012–2013. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Almost always voted for restricting the scope of legal aid Show votes 8 votes for, 1 vote against, 2 absences, between 2011–2022. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Consistently voted for a statutory register of lobbyists Show votes 3 votes for, 0 votes against, in 2013. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted against restrictions on fees charged to tenants by letting agents Show votes 0 votes for, 1 vote against, in 2014. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted against.

Last updated: 26 April 2022. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

How Priti Patel voted on Education #

For votes held while they were in office:

• Consistently voted for university tuition fees Show votes 2 votes for, 0 votes against, in 2010. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for academy schools Show votes 7 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2010–2016. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.
• Consistently voted for greater autonomy for schools Show votes 10 votes for, 0 votes against, between 2010–2011. Comparable Conservative MPs almost always voted for.
• Voted for raising England’s undergraduate tuition fee cap to £9,000 per year Show votes 1 vote for, 0 votes against, in 2010. Comparable Conservative MPs consistently voted for.

Last updated: 21 February 2022. Learn more about our voting records and what they mean.

More on their full voting record on Public Whip