Today's Feature

May 30th

Diane Abbott MP

Diane Julie Abbott, born in 1953, is a British politician and the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987. She served as Shadow Home Secretary in Jeremy Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet from 2016 to 2020 and is an advisor to the Privy Council. Abbott is the first black woman elected to parliament and the longest-serving black MP, currently sitting in the House of Commons as an independent Labour Party member.

Raised in Paddington by a British-Jamaican family, Abbott attended Harrow County School for Girls and pursued a Masters degree in History at Newnham College, Cambridge. She worked in the Civil Service, as a reporter for Thames Television and TV-am, and as a press officer for the Greater London Council. Joining the Labour Party, she was elected to Westminster City Council in 1982 and then as an MP in 1987, winning re-election in subsequent general elections.

Diane Abbott made history in 1987 when she became the first black woman to be elected to the British Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the country's political landscape. Since then, she has established herself as a prominent figure in politics, broadcasting, and commentary, showcasing her diverse talents and dedication to public service.

Born in London in 1953, Diane Abbott received her education at Harrow County grammar school before pursuing a Master's degree in history at Newnham College, Cambridge, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and intellectual pursuits from a young age.

Following her studies at Cambridge, Diane embarked on a career in public service, initially working as a Home Office Civil Servant before transitioning to roles at the National Council for Civil Liberties and later in journalism, where she honed her skills as a writer and communicator in various capacities.

Over the years, Diane has been recognised for her contributions to society, receiving prestigious awards such as the Spectator/Threadneedle Speech of the Year Award and a Human Rights Award from Liberty, underscoring her commitment to advocating for social justice and human rights causes.

In addition to her political and media work, Diane Abbott is also known for her philanthropic efforts, including founding the London Schools and the Black Child initiative, which focuses on improving educational outcomes for Black children and addressing disparities in academic achievement, showcasing her dedication to empowering marginalised communities through education and advocacy.

In Parliament

A supporter of Jeremy Corbyn's bid for Labour leader in 2015, Abbott held various Shadow Cabinet positions including Shadow Home Secretary. She aligned with Corbyn's leftward direction for the Labour Party.

Abbott faced criticism for controversial statements on race, leading to her removal from the Shadow Cabinet by Keir Starmer after the 2019 general election. In 2023, she wrote a letter to The Observer differentiating racism experienced by various groups.

Despite her contributions to the Labour Party, Abbott's tenure was marked by controversy and ultimately led to her removal from the Shadow Cabinet. Her views on race have been a subject of debate and scrutiny throughout her political career.

Diane has been a fierce advocate for global justice, human rights, and peace both domestically and internationally. She has dedicated her efforts to addressing critical issues such as race relations, transparency, and justice within law enforcement practices like policing, surveillance, Stop and Search, and detainment without trial. Her unwavering commitment to these causes has earned her a reputation as a vocal campaigner and a champion for marginalised communities.

Diane's political journey has been marked by significant milestones and achievements. Her tenure on the National Executive of the Labour Party and her service on the Treasury Select Committee in the 1990s showcased her expertise in economic matters, particularly during Britain's entry into the Euro. Her subsequent role on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee as Shadow Public Health Minister further solidified her reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated public servant.

In recent years, despite one or two skirmishes with peers within the labour party, Diane’s impact on British politics has only grown stronger as proved by her landslide re-election to represent Hackney North and Stoke Newington in 2015 - a testament to her popularity and effectiveness as a lawmaker.

Subsequent appointments as Shadow Secretary for International Development, Shadow Secretary for Health, and the first black female Shadow Home Secretary have further solidified her position as a prominent figure in shaping policy and advocating for underrepresented communities. Additionally, her leadership roles in parliamentary groups such as the British-Caribbean All-Party Parliamentary Group and the APPG for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia highlight her commitment to addressing a diverse range of issues affecting society.