Abbott, Diane (1953–)
Abbott, Diane (1953–)
English politician, civil-rights activist, and journalist. Born Diane Julie Abbott, Sept 27, 1953, in Paddington, London, England; dau. of Jamaican parents who had immigrated to London in 1951; attended Newnham College, Cambridge; m. David Thompson, 1991 (div. 1993).
Joined National Council for Civil Liberties; worked as a journalist for Thames Television (1980–82), TV AM (1982–84), and freelance (1984–85); joined Labour Party (1971); appointed press officer for Greater London Council (GLC), then principal press officer for Lambeth Borough Council; served as member of Westminster City Council (1982–86); elected to House of Commons for Hackney North and Stoke Newington (1987), the 1st black woman member of parliament; reelected (1992, 1997, 2001, 2005).