Catherine Ashton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Baroness Ashton of Upholland
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Official portrait, 2024
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| Chancellor of the University of Warwick | |
| Assumed office 1 January 2017 |
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| Vice-Chancellor | Stuart Croft |
| Preceded by | Sir Richard Lambert |
| First Vice-President of the European Commission | |
| In office 10 February 2010 – 31 October 2014 |
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| President | José Manuel Barroso |
| Preceded by | Margot Wallström |
| Succeeded by | Frans Timmermans |
| High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy | |
| In office 1 December 2009 – 31 October 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Javier Solana (Common Foreign and Security Policy) |
| Succeeded by | Federica Mogherini |
| European Commissioner for Trade | |
| In office 3 October 2008 – 1 December 2009 |
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| President | José Manuel Barroso |
| Preceded by | Peter Mandelson |
| Succeeded by | Benita Ferrero-Waldner |
| Leader of the House of Lords Lord President of the Council |
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| In office 28 June 2007 – 3 October 2008 |
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| Prime Minister | Gordon Brown |
| Preceded by | The Baroness Amos |
| Succeeded by | The Baroness Royall of Blaisdon |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice | |
| In office 8 May 2007 – 27 June 2007 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Herself |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Hunt of Kings Heath |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs | |
| In office 9 September 2004 – 8 May 2007 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | The Lord Filkin |
| Succeeded by | Herself |
| Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sure Start, Early Years, Childcare and School Standards | |
| In office 12 June 2001 – 9 September 2004 |
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| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Preceded by | Jacqui Smith |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Filkin |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 20 October 1999 Life Peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Catherine Margaret Ashton
20 March 1956 Upholland, West Lancashire, England |
| Political party | Non-affiliated Labour |
| Spouse |
Peter Kellner
(m. 1988) |
| Education | Bedford College, London |
Catherine Margaret Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland (born 20 March 1956) is a British politician. She is known for her important roles in the European Union (EU). From 2009 to 2014, she was the EU's top diplomat, known as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. She was also the First Vice-President of the European Commission.
Before her EU roles, Baroness Ashton was a key figure in the British Labour Party. She became a life peer in 1999, which means she was given a special title and a seat in the House of Lords, the UK's upper house of Parliament. She served in various government jobs, including leading the House of Lords.
After her time in the EU, she became the Chancellor of the University of Warwick in 2017. This is a special role, like being the head of the university.
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Early Life and Education
Catherine Ashton was born in Upholland, Lancashire, England, on 20 March 1956. She grew up in a working-class family, with many relatives working in coal mining.
She went to Upholland Grammar School and then Wigan Mining and Technical College. In 1977, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Bedford College, London. Catherine was the first person in her family to go to university.
Career in the United Kingdom
Catherine Ashton started her career working for different organizations. From 1977 to 1983, she worked for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). She was even elected as its national treasurer and later a vice-chair.
She also worked with businesses to help solve problems like inequality. She helped create groups like the Employers' Forum on Disability. For much of the 1990s, she worked as an independent policy adviser.
In 1999, she was made a Life Peer by Prime Minister Tony Blair. This gave her the title of Baroness Ashton of Upholland and a seat in the House of Lords.
From 2001, she held several important government positions. She was a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Education and Skills. Later, she moved to the Ministry of Justice. In 2006, she became a member of the Privy Council, a group of important advisors to the Queen.
In 2007, Prime Minister Gordon Brown appointed her as the Leader of the House of Lords. This meant she was in charge of the government's business in the House of Lords. She played a key role in guiding the Treaty of Lisbon through the UK Parliament. This treaty changed how the European Union worked.
Career in the European Union
In 2008, Catherine Ashton was chosen to be the European Commissioner for Trade. This meant she was responsible for trade deals for the entire European Union. She helped resolve trade disputes, like one about beef with the United States. She also helped create a trade agreement with South Korea.
Leading Foreign Affairs
In December 2009, Baroness Ashton was appointed as the first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This was a new and very important role created by the Treaty of Lisbon. As High Representative, she became the EU's chief diplomat and foreign policy leader.
When she was first appointed, some people criticized her for not having much experience in international diplomacy. However, she soon proved to be a skilled negotiator. She received praise for her work in difficult international situations.
For example, she helped Serbia and Kosovo reach an agreement in 2013 that improved their relationship. She also led important talks with Iran about its nuclear program. These talks, known as the P5+1 negotiations, led to a temporary agreement in 2013.
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One of her big tasks was setting up the European External Action Service (EEAS) in 2010. This new service brought together different parts of the EU's foreign relations. It created a diplomatic service for the EU, with diplomats from all member countries.
She also helped lead Operation Atalanta, an EU military mission that fought piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Personal Life
Catherine Ashton lives in London with her husband, Peter Kellner. They have been married since 1988. She has two children and three stepchildren.
Other Activities
Baroness Ashton is a member of the Global Leadership Foundation. This group works to support good leadership, prevent conflicts, and promote strong governments around the world. They do this by sharing the experiences of former leaders with current leaders.
Since 2016, she has been the Chancellor of the University of Warwick.
Honours and Awards
In 2013, she was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the United Kingdom by BBC Radio 4. She has also received honorary degrees from universities.
British Honours
She was made a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (LG). This is a very high honour in the UK.
She was also appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) in 2015 for her work in European foreign policy.
Foreign Honours
She received the 2nd Class of the Order of the White Double Cross from Slovakia.
See also
In Spanish: Catherine Ashton para niños
