1987 – Paul Boateng Becomes UK's First Black Cabinet Minister

On May 11, 1987, Paul Boateng was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Brent South, marking a pivotal moment in British politics. A British citizen of Ghanaian descent, Boateng broke racial and institutional barriers, later becoming the UK’s first Black cabinet minister when appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2002. His 1987 win occurred during a pivotal general election that saw four Black MPs elected for the first time in British history. Boateng’s political presence inspired future generations of Black British leaders and reinforced the importance of diverse representation in UK governance. His subsequent role as the British High Commissioner to South Africa further emphasized his international impact. His journey from civil rights lawyer to policymaker embodied the shifting tides of post-colonial Britain.