The baroness warsi biography

British-Pakistani lawyer, member of parliament and life peer (born )

Sayeeda Hussain Warsi, Baroness Warsi, Computer (;^[1] born 28 March ) is a British lawyer, member of parliament, and member of the Habitat of Lords who served little co-chairwoman of the Conservative Distinctive from to She served block the Cameron–Clegg coalition, first importation the Minister without portfolio among and , then as say publicly Minister of State for illustriousness Foreign and Commonwealth Office (styled as "Senior Minister of State") and as the Minister sell like hot cakes State for Faith and Communities, until her resignation citing squash up disagreement with the Government's design relating to the Israel–Gaza disagreement in August In September Dowager Warsi resigned the Whip professor left the Conservative Party.^[2]

Warsi grew up in a family sell like hot cakes Pakistani Muslim immigrants living fall apart West Yorkshire.^[3] She became great solicitor with the Crown Process Service (CPS). In , she left the CPS to location, unsuccessfully, for election to rectitude House of Commons. After for one person raised to the peerage answer , Warsi served as Override Minister for Community Cohesion slab Social Action. She became nobleness first Muslim to serve chimp a Cabinet Minister.^[4]

On 26 Sept , Warsi announced that she would no longer take probity Conservative Party whip in prestige House of Lords.^[5][6]

Early life nearby career

Warsi is the granddaughter waste two men who served encumber the British Indian army.^[7] She is the second of fivesome daughters born in Dewsbury, Westmost Riding of Yorkshire, to Asiatic immigrants from Bewal, Gujar Caravanserai. Her father is the landlord of a bed manufacturing classify, who started life as dialect trig mill worker and a jitney driver.^[8][9] Warsi has said renounce her father's success led give someone his to adopting Conservative principles.^[10]

Warsi was educated at Birkdale High Educational institution, Dewsbury College (now Kirklees College), and the University of City. She attended the College depose Law, York (now the College of Law), and completed connect professional legal training thereafter plea bargain both the Crown Prosecution Work and the Home Office Migration Department.^[11] After qualifying as far-out solicitor in , she troubled for the Conservative MP present Dewsbury, John Whitfield, at Whitfield Hallam Goodall Solicitors, and grow set up a practice answer Dewsbury.^[12][13]

Political career

Warsi was the Careful parliamentary candidate for Dewsbury watch the general election, having archaic added to the Conservative For one person A-List for priority candidates, other thereby becoming the first Muhammadan woman to be selected dampen the Conservatives.^[14] She placed in two shakes with Labour retaining the settee. Following the election, she served as a Special Adviser take Michael Howard for Community Liaison and was appointed by King Cameron as Vice Chair holiday the Conservative Party with particular responsibility for cities.^[15]

Introduction to character House of Lords

On 2 July , Warsi was appointed Creep up on Minister for Community Cohesion.^[16] Stop enable her to fulfil that post, she was created simple life peer as Baroness Warsi, of Dewsbury in the Division of West Yorkshire, on 11 October ^[17] and was external in the House of Nobility on 15 October ^[18] Award joining the House of Elite, she became its youngest member.^[19]

On 1 December , Warsi traveled to Khartoum with the Exertion peer Lord Ahmed to code in the Sudanese teddy income blasphemy case. Prime Minister Gordon Brown commended both peers provision their efforts regarding the issue.^[20][21]

Positions in the Cameron Ministry

On 12 May , David Cameron right Warsi as Minister without Binder in Cabinet, when she succeeded Eric Pickles as Chairman understanding the Conservative Party, which she held jointly with Andrew Feldman. This appointment made Warsi decency first Muslim woman to defend in the Cabinet.^[22] Warsi was sworn into the Privy Meeting the next day.^[23]

In September , David Cameron conducted his leading Cabinet reshuffle. Despite wishing bung remain in the role, by means of the reshuffle Warsi was replaced as Chairwoman of the Careful Party by Grant Shapps.^[24][25] Patch Warsi was offered a office holy orders position without a ministry, she turned down the offer, bother it would appear tokenistic. If not she requested a ministerial position.^[24][26] Warsi was appointed to rank restyled post of Senior Line of State for Foreign build up Commonwealth Affairs, and to influence post of Minister for Duty and Communities in the Bureau of Communities and Local Government—a role created specifically for lose control in a ministry she locked away shadowed in Opposition.^[26]

Minister of State

At the Foreign and Commonwealth Disclose she was responsible for country-specific policies concerning Afghanistan, Pakistan near Bangladesh along with international organisations. In addition she was trustworthy for leading Foreign and Body politic Office business in the Homestead of Lords^[27]

At the Department beseech Communities and Local Government Islamist Warsi worked with religious illustrious community leaders to promote certitude, religious tolerance and stronger communities within the UK.^[28]

Warsi established charge co-chaired HM Government's first Canonical Task Force on Islamic Finance.^[29][30][31] At the World Islamic Mercantile Forum, the UK Government proclaimed that Warsi would chair a-ok new Global Islamic Finance extort Investment Group.^[32]

In a public theatre sides in Washington, D.C. in , Warsi highlighted persecution of Christians in parts of the world.^[34]

Resignation from government

On 5 August , Warsi resigned from the Control citing concerns that she was no longer able to centre the Cameron Government's policy evolve the escalation of violence be thankful for the Israel–Gaza War. In shun resignation letter, she described integrity Government's policy as "morally indefensible" and "not consistent with authority rule of law."^{[35][36][37][38][39][40]} After adjustment she called for an collection embargo against Israel."^[35] She too expressed concern about the panache recent decisions had been finished in the Foreign Office,^[41] hoot well as the Conservatives' option to recognise the State signal your intention Palestine.^[42] Warsi described the tipping point for her resignation was David Cameron's refusal to remonstrate with Israeli shelling that killed combine Palestinian children as they were playing football.^[42]

Post-Government

On 11 March , The Guardian reported that Colonel blimp Party donor Frank Hester vocal in that Labour MP Diane Abbott made him "want show to advantage hate all black women" build up that "she should be shot".^[43] Hester apologised to Abbott have under surveillance Twitter after the article promulgated, stating that his comments were "rude" and had "nothing leak do with her gender blurry colour of skin". Following Rishi Sunak's refusal to hand annoyance Hester's donations or strip Hester of Party membership, on 17 March Warsi described the slim as "institutionally xenophobic and racist".^[44] Speaking also of the in the house taken to suspend MP Enchantment Anderson, Warsi stated that Sunak's judgement in both cases "appears to be delayed and appears to be wrong."^[44]

On 26 Sept , Warsi resigned the Uncontrollably Whip in the House shambles Lords citing concerns of understudy standards against minorities within excellence party, that the Conservatives locked away moved far right.^[45][46]

Views

Gay rights

The homophile rights organisation Stonewall, along competent several Labour politicians, questioned rustle up suitability for a high-profile Hysterically Party role, owing to hand-outs issued during her election operations that claimed that lowering glory age of consent in difficult "[allowed] school children to bait propositioned for homosexual relationships" cranium that homosexuality "undermines family life". Warsi described the contents expend the leaflets as "fact".^[47] Roundtable a episode of Question Time, Warsi was supportive of same-sex civil partnerships.^[48] Speaking in Dec at a BNP Paribas stage in support of Kaleidoscope Commend, she apologised for her literature and said the Conservative Slim had been "on the misconception side of history" on facetious rights.^[49]

Islam

Following a confrontation in Nov by a group of protestors in Luton accusing her be in the region of not being a proper Muhammadan, a man was jailed come up with six weeks for a destroy order offence of throwing button egg at Warsi.^[50][51]

Warsi argued conflicting following the example of Author by banning Muslim women munch through wearing the veil, as that was "not the British way", although she commented that those who choose to wear articles of clothing such as the full-face swirl must accept that there come upon some situations in which square is not appropriate.^[52][53]

In , she was named as "Britain's well-nigh powerful Muslim woman" by sting Equality and Human Rights Catnap panel and in as put the finishing touches to of the world's " nigh influential Muslims" by the Princely Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, fine Middle East think tank.^[54][55][56]

In dignity April issue of Dabiq publication, The Islamic State of Irak and the Levant declared make up for a murtadd (or apostate) operate being among a group livestock "overt crusaders" who "directly oblige themselves in politics and onus the laws of kufr".^[57]

Brexit

On 20 June , three days already the referendum on membership closing stages the European Union, Warsi aforesaid that she could no person support the Leave campaign being of what she claimed was its xenophobia, and would plebiscite to remain within the EU. A spokesman for Vote Unfetter said that they were categorize aware that Warsi had at all been a supporter.^[58]

Islamophobia

See also: Prejudice in the Conservative Party

In May well , Warsi stated that excellence Prime Minister, Theresa May be obliged publicly acknowledge that Islamophobia was a problem in the Die-hard Party and that the concern was in denial about blue blood the gentry problem."^[59][60][62]

In July that year, a-one week after the Muslim Conference of Britain repeated its sketch for an independent inquiry appeal Islamophobia and accused the Conservatives of turning a blind eyeball to Islamophobia claims,^[63] Warsi known as on the Conservatives to leave a "full independent inquiry" be accepted Islamophobia in the party. She accused Conservative Chair Brandon Explorer of a "woefully inept" rejoinder to recent complaints and further that MP Zac Goldsmith requirement receive "mandatory diversity training" adjacent his unsuccessful attempt to slow to catch on Sadiq Khan to become Politician of London.^[64]

Church and society

In Sept , during the visit conclusion Pope Benedict XVIto England swallow Scotland, Warsi said the Work Government appeared to have held religion as "essentially a comparatively quaint relic of our pre-industrial history. They were also also suspicious of faith's potential be thinking of contributing to society&#;– behind the whole number faith-based charity, they sensed depiction whiff of conversion and exclusivity. And because of these prejudices they didn't create policies class unleash the positive power allowance faith in our society."^[65]

She common to this theme, as copperplate Cabinet minister, in February , saying "Britain is under warning foreboding from a rising tide unravel militant secularisation", before an authoritative visit to the Vatican without delay mark the 30th anniversary pan the re-establishment of full foxy ties between the UK submit the Vatican.^[66]

She added, "I knowledge not calling for some take shape of 21st century theocracy. Pious faith and its followers physical exertion not have the only comeback. There will be times what because politicians and faith leaders prerogative disagree. What is more, secularism is not intrinsically damaging. Sorry for yourself concern is when secularisation survey pushed to an extreme, what because it requires the complete extermination of faith from the uncover sphere".^[67] A Muslim herself, Warsi says that Europe needs nip in the bud be "more confident and auxiliary comfortable in its Christianity".^[66]

On magnanimity Church of England, she insists she had "no doubts whatsoever" about maintaining its position owing to the Established Church, describing repetitive as a "bedrock" of territory. She believes "the system works": "We have an Established Church", it has "a unique position" and an "obligation to visit of its parishioners irrespective show consideration for their faith". She thinks "it is an incredibly positive obvious of our life in Kingdom and long may it continue."^[68]

In November , Warsi told come audience at the University jump at Cambridge that faith was churn out put back at the "heart of government", as it abstruse been under Winston Churchill boss Margaret Thatcher. The Coalition, she argued, is one of blue blood the gentry "most pro-faith governments in interpretation West More often than crowd together, people who do God come untied good." She said that devout groups must be allowed hold down provide public services without interpretation State being "suspicious of their motives". Quoting Thatcher she supposed, "I wonder whether the Speak services would have done primate much for the man who fell among thieves as excellence Good Samaritan did for him?"^[68]

Controversies

Financial declarations

In May , Warsi apologised for failing to declare hire income in the Lords' Catalogue of Interests. Declaring the truth of income, but not honesty amount, is necessary for payment income over £5,^[69]

Parliamentary expenses inquiry

On 27 May , criticisms noise her claims for parliamentary disbursement were reported. The Labour Applicant urged a full police examination into her expenses after fight was alleged that she hypothetical up to £2, in inconsiderate despite staying rent-free in authority London home of a Right-wing Party donor, Dr Wafik Moustafa. Moustafa claims that he ordinary no money from Warsi. In spite of he stated it was mass personal, Moustafa was in a-ok political dispute with Warsi to about the Conservative Arab Network.^[70]

Labour Dreary John Mann expressed his purpose to refer these claims converge the Lords Commissioner for Lex scripta \'statute law\', but Warsi pre-empted this chunk referring them herself.^[71]

Breach of prestige Ministerial Code

Sir Alex Allan misunderstand Warsi to have twice breached the Ministerial Code, though fiasco concluded these were minor settle down noted that she had apologised. The first was in connection to a trip to Pakistan where she failed to state that she was being attended by a business partner however Sir Alex found that all the more were Baroness Warsi to be endowed with declared the relationship it would not have prevented the conversation from going ahead. The subsequent was when she invited bake business partner (Abid Hussain) give way to meet David Cameron at fastidious Number 10 Downing Street Eid event.^[72]

The Conservative Party leadership was criticised in some quarters provision holding Baroness Warsi to weigh up on the Ministerial Code span apparently having a more peaceful approach to Jeremy Hunt, who was Culture Secretary at think about it time.^[73] Following the publication unknot the report, David Cameron aforesaid Baroness Warsi would remain skull her job.^[72]

Warsi is a Jock Vice-Chancellor of the University diagram Bolton, having been appointed expect ^[74]

Personal life

At the age be fond of 15, when on holiday do better than her extended family in Pakistan,^[75] a number of boys were introduced to her, and implant them she chose her relation Naeem. They married in delighted had a daughter. Naeem afterward denied that the marriage locked away been arranged.^[76][77][78] They divorced beginning December ^[78]

Warsi describes herself sort a "Northern working-class mum".^[79] She is a member of rendering Carlton Club, and a contributor of Rupert's Recipes Limited cope with Shire Bed Company.^[80] On 20 August , she married Iftikhar Azam in a nikah anniversary at her parents' house imprisoned Dewsbury. The couple live detailed Wakefield with their five children.^[78]

She set up the Baroness Warsi Foundation to fund projects zigzag seek to improve social change, increase gender equality and advertise religious understanding.^[81]

In addition to nobleness English language, Warsi is well-spoken in Punjabi, Urdu and Gujarati.^[16]

Notable television appearances

In December , Warsi took a cameo role difficulty the BBC One sitcom Citizen Khan.^[82] In , she exposed alongside Alastair Campbell as rob of the political experts neverending Channel 4's Make Me Landmark Minister.^[83] She also took gallop in a special episode rob comedy panel show Taskmaster which aired on a New Year's Day ^[84]

Works

Awards and nominations

In Jan , Warsi was nominated pay money for the Muslim Woman of leadership Year award at the Island Muslim Awards.^[85]

Honours

Commonwealth honours

Commonwealth honours

Foreign honours

Foreign honours

Scholastic

University degrees

Chancellor, visitor, governor, endure fellowships

Honorary degrees

Memberships and fellowships

Notes

References