A career in politics

A career in politics can offer you a stimulating profession. So, if you are interested in current affairs and you would like to make a difference then a career in politics could be for your. Dawn Butler is an elected MP for Brent South. X-cel asks her why she chose politics as a career.

“As a full-time trade unionist I became very active in the Labour Party.  I believe passionately in the power of ordinary people to work together for change.   My campaigning priorities are poverty, unemployment, crime, health, youth services, and the welfare of our children.  

I am the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica who made their home in London in the 1950s.  I am one of six children – two girls and four boys.  From an early age I knew that as a woman in a male dominated society you have to be active and assertive, or else you won’t be heard.  I am part of a generation who grew up in the Thatcher years and didn’t like it.  I am part of a close-knit and extended supportive family.   I help in my parents’ business, a small West Indian and European bakery.  And for fun I like to Salsa.

I have spoken at hundreds of work place meetings, conferences alongside people such as Chancellor Gordon Brown and the late Barbara Castle.  I was Chair of London Black Women’s Council.  The remit of this group is to build stronger links with local and central government and with Europe, and to give a voice to London’s black women.

I have been campaigning and raising money for various charities since the age of 17.I also worked as an adviser to the General Secretary of the GMB union and the mayor of London on employment and social justice issues

I was elected MP for Brent South on 5.5.05.It is important to me that government is reflective of our diverse community and ordinary hard working individuals are given the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

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