Catherine Margaret Ashton High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, Vice-President of the European Commission Date of Birth: 20.03.1956 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Catherine Margaret Ashton
2. Early Life and Education
3. Early Career
4. Political Career
5. Personal Life

Biography of Catherine Margaret Ashton

Catherine Margaret Ashton, born on March 20, 1956, in the small town of Upholland in Lancashire, UK, is a British politician and diplomat. She has held various high-ranking positions in the European Union, including the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

Early Life and Education

Ashton's father, Harold Ashton, was an engineer and a member of the Labour Party. Following in her father's footsteps, Catherine also became involved in politics. She attended Upholland Grammar School and later went on to study economics at the University of London, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 1977.

Early Career

In 1977, Ashton began working for Britain's Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, eventually becoming its treasurer and deputy leader. She was involved in negotiations conducted by the organization in Europe, Australia, and the United Nations headquarters. Ashton also played a role in organizing demonstrations and other public events.

During the 1980s, Ashton worked as a consultant and held several positions related to social issues, including Director of Public Relations for Business in the Community, an organization focused on corporate social responsibility. She was particularly dedicated to addressing social issues related to disabilities and played a role in the establishment of Opportunity Now, an organization advocating for women's rights in the workplace.

Political Career

In 1999, Ashton was appointed a life peer and given the title Baroness Ashton of Upholland. She served as a parliamentary under-secretary for the Department for Education and Skills from 2001 to 2004, focusing on early childhood and school education. Ashton also led the government's Sure Start initiative, which aimed to improve early childhood education, healthcare, and family support.

In 2004, Ashton became a parliamentary under-secretary for the Department for Constitutional Affairs, responsible for human rights, freedom of speech, and equality issues. She later became the leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council in Gordon Brown's government.

In 2008, Ashton was appointed as the European Commissioner for Trade, representing the United Kingdom. During her tenure, she advocated for Russia's individual entry into the World Trade Organization and conducted trade negotiations with countries such as China and South Korea.

In 2009, Ashton was chosen as the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union. She was confirmed in this role by the European Parliament in 2010. Additionally, she became a Vice-President of the European Commission.

Throughout her career, Ashton received several accolades, including being named "Minister of the Year" by House Magazine in 2005 and "Peer of the Year" by Channel 4 in 2007. She was also recognized by Stonewall, an LGBT rights organization, as "Politician of the Year" in 2006 for her work in fighting discrimination and promoting human rights.

Personal Life

Ashton is married to Peter Kellner, a former BBC analyst who later became the president of YouGov, an international market research company. Together, they have a son and a daughter, as well as three adopted children.