Paul Boateng was among a unique group of four new parliamentarians in 1987 who became the first members of the house from ethnic minority backgrounds.  Alongside the late Bernie Grant, Hackney's Diane Abbott and Leicester's Keith Vaz they caused a stir in the Labour party and the House at the time. He later became the first Black minister and later a member of the cabinet. Having reached the heights of Chief Secretary to the Treasury under Chancellor Gordon Brown, Boateng stepped down in the 2005 elections. The former lawyer exchanged Westminster for Johannesburg as the High Commissioner which completed a full circle for Boateng who had been active during the 80's anti-apartheid campaign. But it has not all been plain sailing for the former member for Brent South. His son Benjamin was arrested on New Year's Day (2006) accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old girl. It was reported that Boateng did not request diplomatic immunity for the 21-year-old Benjamin.
Date of birth: 14 June 1951 Place of birth: Ghana  Marital status & family: Married, five children.  Best known as: the pinstripe suit wearing former MP for Brent South Honours & accolades: First Black Government minister