'Full of wit and charm': Kim Johnson reviews 'A Woman Like Me'

Labour Party Conference, Blackpool, October 1988: Bernie Grant and Diane Abbott | Image by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Kim Johnson MP

@KimJohnsonMP

I was really excited to be invited to write a review of Diane Abbott’s new memoir, A Woman Like Me. She has been an icon for me, and for many women, ever since she made history in 1987 as the first Black woman elected to Parliament. Alongside comrades like Bernie Grant, Paul Boateng, and Keith Vaz, she broke new ground. Now, as the longest-serving Black MP and Mother of the House, her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of political activists. 

For many, Diane represented a beacon of hope for local Black activists, striving for political recognition and power. She shattered glass ceilings and overcame barriers set by the establishment, paving the way for others to follow.

The memoir offers a number of revelations, but those anticipating deep political analysis of the Labour Party’s fortunes during her decades-long career as an MP may be left disappointed. The memoir is a deeply personal account of a trailblazing journey through politics. With a mix of tongue-in-cheek humour and self-deprecation, she shares profound stories of her personal life, including her very short-lived romantic encounter with Jeremy Corbyn and their lasting friendship, which has endured the test of time – one of the memoir’s most charming reflections.

With a mix of tongue-in-cheek humour and self-deprecation, she shares profound stories

Diane also reflects on the difficult relationship she had with her father and recounts the breakdown of her parents’ relationship, a turning point that deeply affected her home life. Diane delves into her father’s experiences with racism and discrimination, describing how these struggles shaped his behaviour during her childhood. As an adult, she came to understand the devastating toll that systemic racism had on him, recognising that his responses were shaped by an establishment designed to oppress Black people. 

From an early age, Diane demonstrated signs of things to come – she was very bright and proved to many she could excel when so many had low expectations and little aspiration for her future. After attending Harrow County Girls’ Grammar School, Diane earned a prestigious place at Cambridge University, where she graduated with a degree in history. She effortlessly chronicles her career journey, starting as a graduate trainee in the Home Office, transitioning to a race relations officer, and eventually finding her footing as a journalist following a stint as a TV researcher.

The book explores her complex relationship with the Labour Party, shedding light on the racism she faced and the obstacles she overcame as a Black woman fighting for political representation. Her journey to secure both a council seat and, eventually, a parliamentary seat was, in part, due to her pivotal role in establishing Black Sections within the party. 

A Woman Like Me is an easy read, full of wit and charm. It provides us with an opportunity to explore the exceptional woman Diane Abbott truly is and the adversities she has endured to reach the position she has today. A fearless champion of racial and social justice, she remains inspirational to many.

Kim Johnson is Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside

A Woman Like Me: A Memoir
By: Diane Abbott 
Publisher: Viking

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