Catherine Ashton

About

After holding office from 2008 to 2009 as European Commissioner for Trade, this British Labour Party politician became the European Union's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Beginning in early 2010, she also served as First Vice President of the European Commission.

Before Fame

She began her political career in the late 1990s and, by 2001, had been appointed the Department for Education and Skills' Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.

Trivia

She graduated from Bedford College, University of London, with a degree in sociology and was the first member of her family to attain a college education.

Family Life

Following their 1988 wedding, she and United Kingdom political journalist Peter Kellner welcomed two children.

Associated With

In 2007, she was appointed by United Kingdom Prime Minister Gordon Brown to the positions of Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Lords.