Matthew has been Chairman of LGBTory since July 2009, having been re-elected at the January 2011 AGM. In that time, he has brought together a strong group of officers and made huge strides forward in increasing membership and ensuring participation in Pride festivals across the country.

Matthew has a history of campaigning for a number of years and, most recently, stood in the 2010 Parliamentary elections for the constituency of Salford and Eccles against the infamous Hazel Blears. There, he managed to gain the 4th biggest swing to the Conservatives in the North West and increase the Conservative vote by around 54%.

Matthew has regular contact with senior Conservative Party officials at Ministerial and Parliamentary level and is often asked for comment with the media. Matthew has made a big start on building relationships with the new Government, Home Secretary and Equalities Minister and also with LGBT campaign groups and charities.

Recently, Matthew led a delegation of LGBT celebrities, campaigners and LGBTory officers to 10 Downing Street for an LGBT reception with the Prime Minister, David Cameron.