“A Voice for the Voiceless”: A Candid Chat with Diane Abbott, Labour MP and Trailblazer

Diane Abbott, the Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, opens up about her political journey, the challenges she has faced, and what keeps her going in British politics. With nearly 35 years in Parliament, she is a complex figure: loved and vilified, but with a legacy that can’t be ignored.

Diane Abbott made history when she became the first Black woman MP on 11 June 1987. Despite facing hostility from both sides, she broke through the racial and gender barriers to represent her constituency. As she recalls, “Labour wasn’t thrilled any of us got elected in ’87.” But Abbott persevered, serving her constituency and standing her ground.

Diane Abbott is no stranger to scrutiny. “You think people are your friend, but they’re not,” she says. Whether it’s the media or the public, Abbott is often the target of harsh criticism. Her mistakes are blown out of proportion, while her accomplishments are sidelined.

Yet, her credentials are impeccable. Abbott is not just the first Black woman MP; she was also the only Black person from a state school to study at Cambridge in the 1970s. “There’s this narrative about how I’m an idiot,” Abbott laments, “I think most people don’t realise I actually went to a reasonable university.”

She’s faced health issues, sexism, and a barrage of online abuse. Amnesty International even reported she was the target of nearly half the abusive tweets sent to female politicians in the six weeks leading up to the 2017 general election.

So, what keeps her going? “You wake up in the morning, you hear something on the radio, and you think, ‘Someone should say something about that.’ And then you think, ‘I’ll say something about that,’” Abbott says. For her, the focus remains on representing the underrepresented, tackling issues like immigration, and supporting her constituency’s needs, such as the low vaccine uptake.

Despite the challenges, Abbott remains committed. She may not be looking for another big role under current Labour leader Keir Starmer, but she’s not ready to step back. “The first 10 years, I was there on my own. Now, I’ll be going to chamber and there will be these Black women! I never cease to get a kind of thrill out of it,” she smiles.

Despite the challenges, Abbott remains committed. She may not be looking for another big role under current Labour leader Keir Starmer, but she’s not ready to step back. “The first 10 years, I was there on my own. Now, I’ll be going to chamber and there will be these Black women! I never cease to get a kind of thrill out of it,” she smiles.

This feature offers a profound insight into the life and legacy of Diane Abbott, one of the UK’s most influential and enduring MPs. From her historical achievements in the realm of politics to her personal battles with prejudice and public scrutiny, Abbott’s resilience and dedication shine through. As we delve into her past and present, we’re reminded of the vital role she has played in shaping the political landscape and advocating for those who often go unheard. Dive in to understand the woman behind the headlines.

Source: British Vogue. (2021). “I Just Wanted To Change The World”: Vogue Meets Labour MP Diane Abbott

Image Source: British Vogue