Paul Boateng
Learn about the achievements of Paul Boateng, politician, diplomat, and civil rights champion
Paul Boateng
Boateng was born in Hackney, London. His family settled in Hemel, Hempstead where he attended Apsley Grammar School. He later read law at the University of Bristol and began his career in Civil rights, originally as a solicitor, though he later retrained as a barrister.
Paul Boateng (1983) by Voice NewspaperThe Voice Newspaper
Lawyer, Politician and Community activist
On his election in 1987, Boateng declared: “Today Brent South, tomorrow Soweto” referring to the anti-Apartheid struggle. He had been a campaigning lawyer and a key part of the march to Fleet Street over the New Cross fire in 1981 in which 13 Black children died. Read more on New Cross fire
Paul Boateng (1987) by Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)The Voice Newspaper
Paul Boateng (1999) by Steve Eason/GettyThe Voice Newspaper
Paul Boateng - journey to becoming a Black MP
In 1997, Boateng became the UK's first Black government minister as Parliamentary Under Secretary for Health, he was responsible for social services, mental health and disabled people. He published guidelines to end the denial of adoptions purely on the basis of race.
Paul Boateng (1989) by Comic Relief Contributor/Getty 1980The Voice Newspaper
Red Nose 1989
Labour MP and spokesman for Overseas Development Joan Lestor led the way among fellow MPs, among them Paul Boateng, (left) in wearing the Red Nose for 1989.
Paul Boateng (1997) by Jeff Overs/BBC News/Getty 1999The Voice Newspaper
Paul Boateng - his elevated journey
After leaving the Commons he was elevated to the House of Lords in 2010, and also chaired the Church of England’s racial justice commission. He later became the British High Commissioner to South Africa.
Paul Boateng (2002) by Adrian Dennis/GettyThe Voice Newspaper
Tailored to the role
Boateng became known in Westminster for his sharp tailored suits and no-nonsense demeanor. An ordained minister, Boateng moved politically from the Black Sections and towards the centre ground.
Paul Boateng (2011) by PA/GettyThe Voice Newspaper
Lord Boateng - Lifetime Achievement Award
Lord Paul Boateng, Britain’s first black Cabinet minister and the first British-Ghanaian to sit in the House of Lords, received a Lifetime Achievement award in November 2011.
Lord Paul Boateng awarded Honorary Doctorate
The University of West London (UWL) has awarded Paul Boateng, the first black Cabinet Minister in UK history, an Honorary Doctorate of Law, recognising his outstanding achievements in public life Discover more about his life here.
