Catherine Ashton

Catherine Margaret Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, GCMG, PC (born 20 March 1956 at Upholland, Lancashire) is a British Labour politician. She was born in Upholland, Lancashire, England. In November 2009, she was appointed to be the first European Foreign Minister.

The Right Honourable The Baroness Ashton of Upholland GCMG PC
Ashton in 2009
First Vice President of the European Commission
In office 9 February 2010 – 1 November 2014
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 – 1 November 2014
Nominated by	Gordon Brown
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
Nominated by	Gordon Brown
President	José Manuel Barroso
Preceded by	Peter Mandelson
Succeeded by	Benita Ferrero-Waldner
Leader of the House of Lords Lord President of the Council
In office 28 June 2007 – 3 October 2008
Monarch	Elizabeth II
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
Monarch	Elizabeth II
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
Monarch	Elizabeth II
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
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	Tony Blair
Preceded by	Jacqui Smith
Succeeded by	The Lord Filkin
Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal
Incumbent
Assumed office 20 October 1999 Life Peerage
Personal details
Born	Catherine Margaret Ashton (1956-03-20) 20 March 1956 Upholland, West Lancashire
Political party	Non-affiliated Labour
Spouse(s)	Peter Kellner ​ (m. 1988)​
Education	Bedford College, London

Other websites

• Ashton's profile on the European Commission web site