Suella Braverman : In the intricate tapestry of British politics and law, few individuals stand out as prominently as Suella Braverman KC. Born on 3rd April 1980 in Harrow, Greater London, she has carved an extraordinary path through the corridors of power, becoming a household name known for her unyielding dedication and tenacity.
Suella Braverman – Early Life and Education of Suella Braverman
Suella Braverman was born to Uma and Christie Fernandes, both immigrants who came to Britain in the 1960s, hailing from Mauritius and Kenya respectively. Her unique name, inspired by the character Sue Ellen Ewing from the American TV series “Dallas,” reflects the cultural diversity that shaped her upbringing.
Her mother, a nurse and Conservative candidate, and her father, who worked for a housing association, instilled in her the values of public service from an early age.
Her educational journey took her from Uxendon Manor Primary School in Brent to Heathfield School, Pinner, where she earned a partial scholarship. It was at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where she studied law, that she truly began to shine.
As chairman of the Cambridge University Conservative Association during her undergraduate years, she displayed leadership qualities that would later propel her into the political arena.
Braverman’s thirst for knowledge led her to France, where she studied European and French law at Panthéon-Sorbonne University as an Erasmus Programme student and then as an Entente Cordiale Scholar. These experiences enriched her perspective and set the stage for her future accomplishments.
The Barrister’s Journey
After being called to the bar at Middle Temple in 2005, Suella Braverman embarked on her legal career. She started her pupillage at 2–3 Gray’s Inn Square (now Cornerstone Barristers) but later began practicing at the London branch of No5 Chambers, a large Birmingham set. Her work primarily revolved around litigation, with a focus on immigration and planning law.
Notably, she passed the New York bar examination in 2006, earning a license to practice law in the state. However, her journey as an attorney in the U.S. saw a suspension in 2021 after she failed to re-register.
In 2010, Braverman founded the Africa Justice Foundation alongside barristers Cherie Booth and Philip Riches. This endeavor showcased her commitment to justice and her dedication to making a positive impact on a global scale.
A Politician’s Ascent
Sue-Ellen Braverman’s journey in politics began with her name on the list of Conservative parliamentary candidates during the 2003 Brent East by-election.
Her mother, Uma Fernandes, a Conservative councillor, ultimately contested the seat, with Suella Braverman passionately campaigning in her support. It was during this time that she gained recognition in the national media, being featured in an article in The Guardian titled “The road to No 10.”
In the 2005 general election, Suella Braverman contested Leicester East, finishing second to Labour’s Keith Vaz. Her journey eventually led her to become the Conservative candidate for Fareham in Hampshire, where she secured a seat in the House of Commons in 2015. Her resounding victory, with 56.1% of the vote and a majority of 22,262, marked the beginning of her impactful parliamentary career.
A Champion of Justice and Education
Throughout her tenure as a Member of Parliament, Suella Braverman demonstrated a strong commitment to issues related to education, home affairs, and justice.
Her advocacy extended beyond the walls of Westminster, with her contributions to publications like The Daily Telegraph, Bright Blue, i News, HuffPost, Brexit Central, and ConservativeHome.
One of her significant actions in Parliament was opening a Westminster Hall debate on the failings of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. She also chaired meetings with the Trust’s executives and collaborated with other MPs as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hampshire to investigate instances of poor care quality and patient deaths.
A Staunch Advocate for Brexit
Braverman played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the 2016 EU membership referendum, campaigning passionately for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. Her leadership as the chair of the European Research Group, a group of pro-Leave Conservative MPs, reflected her unwavering dedication to this cause.
Following the 2017 general election, Suella Braverman was appointed as the parliamentary private secretary to the ministers of the Treasury, showcasing her commitment to economic matters.
Attorney General and Advocate for Change
In a significant reshuffle on 13th February 2020, Suella Braverman was appointed Attorney General for England and Wales and advocate general for Northern Ireland. This appointment marked a milestone in her career, accompanied by her elevation to Queen’s Counsel (QC).
Braverman’s time as Attorney General was not without controversy, as she faced criticism from members of the Bar Council for her choices in the role. Nevertheless, her unwavering dedication to her duties remained evident throughout her tenure.
A Bid for Leadership
The year 2022 saw a significant turning point in British politics, with Suella Braverman throwing her hat into the ring for the Conservative Party leadership election.
Though she was eliminated from the race in the second round of ballots, her endorsement of Liz Truss played a crucial role in the outcome.
Her vision for the UK included tax cuts, reduced government spending, addressing the cost of living challenges, and tackling immigration issues.
A Controversial Term as Home Secretary
Sue-Ellen Braverman’s appointment as Home Secretary on 6th September 2022 under Prime Minister Liz Truss was met with both anticipation and skepticism. Her tenure was marked by controversial statements and policies, including her suggestion of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, a move criticized by the UN Refugee Agency.
In October 2022, during a speech advocating for the government’s Public Order Bill, she pointed fingers at a “coalition of chaos” formed by opposition parties and referred to progressive activists as “tofu-consuming woke elites.”
However, her first term as Home Secretary ended abruptly on 19th October 2022 due to a breach of the Ministerial Code. Braverman had sent a sensitive official document to a political ally using her personal email address.
A Second Term and Challenges
Surprisingly, Suella Braverman was reappointed as Home Secretary on 25th October 2022 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This decision faced opposition from various political quarters, with concerns raised about her judgment and adherence to the Ministerial Code.
Her second term in office continued to be marred by controversy, including her intervention in barring a British resident from reentering the UK on the basis of a cannabis offense.
A Complex Legacy
Sue-Ellen Braverman’s political journey has been marked by staunch conservative positions, from her support for Brexit to her calls to withdraw the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights. Her views on immigration, transgender rights, and multiculturalism have stirred debate and divided opinions.
In her speeches at the National Conservatism Conference and the American Enterprise Institute, she voiced concerns about immigration’s impact on the country’s “national character” and questioned the asylum system’s criteria for protection.
The Personal Side
Beyond the political stage, Sue-Ellen Braverman’s personal life is equally intriguing. She married Rael Braverman, a manager at the Mercedes-Benz Group, in a historic ceremony at the House of Commons in February 2018. As of 2021, they have two children, a son born in 2019 and a daughter born in 2021. She resides in Locks Heath, Hampshire.
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