The Right Honourable David Lammy was appointed as British Foreign Secretary in the newly elected British Labour Party government. A distinguished politician and son of Guyanese parents, Lammy’s rise to this prominent position marks a significant milestone.
David Lammy, born on July 19, 1972, in London, grew up in Tottenham with his four siblings. He pursued his education at the University of London, obtaining a Law degree, and was called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn in 1994. His academic journey continued at Harvard University in Massachusetts, USA, where he made history as the first Black Briton to study at the Harvard University School of Law, graduating in 1997.
Lammy’s professional career began in the United States, where he worked as an attorney at Howard Rice in California from 1997 to 1998, and subsequently with D.J. Freeman from 1998 to 2000. His political career took off when he was elected for the Labour Party on the London-wide list to the London Assembly in 2000. Following the death of fellow Guyanese Bernie Grant, Lammy was selected as the Labour candidate for Tottenham. At the age of 27, he won the seat in a by-election on June 22, 2000, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament (MP) in the House until 2003.
Lammy’s political journey is marked by numerous re-elections and appointments. In the 2001 general election, he was overwhelmingly re-elected as MP for Tottenham. In 2002, Prime Minister Tony Blair appointed him as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health. He later served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Constitutional Affairs in 2003. Lammy’s responsibilities grew as he was appointed to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills in 2007, and became Minister of State in 2008. His appointment to the Privy Council in the same year granted him the honorific prefix “The Right Honourable” for life.
In June 2009, Lammy was appointed Minister for Higher Education in the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. After the Labour Party lost the 2010 elections, Lammy returned to the backbenches, focusing on representing his constituents due to significant cuts in public services. Despite this, he continued to be re-elected, securing his seat in the 2015 and 2017 elections with overwhelming support.
Lammy has been at the forefront of critical issues, notably advocating for justice for the families affected by the Grenfell Fire in 2017 and leading the campaign for the Windrush British Citizens’ rights following the 2018 Windrush scandal. His unwavering commitment to these causes has cemented his reputation as a dedicated public servant.
In 2020, Lammy endorsed the now Prime Minister of England, Keir Starmer, as leader of the Labour Party and was subsequently appointed as Shadow Secretary of State for Justice. His role expanded in November 2021 when he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
Lammy’s personal life reflects his diverse identity and heritage. He is married to artist Nicola Green since 2005, and they have two sons and a daughter. A Tottenham Hotspur F.C. fan, Lammy proudly embraces his multifaceted identity, stating, “I’m black, I’m English, I’m British and I’m proud.”
Guyana Graphic celebrates David Lammy’s remarkable achievements and his continued dedication to public service. His appointment as British Foreign Secretary is a testament to his hard work and commitment to making a positive impact on society.
