A Purposeful Life
  • Published: 2 June 2024
  • ISBN: 9781804992470
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $27.99

A Purposeful Life

What I’ve Learned About Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change

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One of Britain's first Black MPs shares the values, people and beliefs that have forged her trailblazing path to power and gives others the conviction to improve the world around them.

'Dawn Butler is a history-making, game-changing, ceiling-smashing politician.
This powerful book offers a fascinating insight into both the personal and political sides of her journey.'
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

'When I was younger my parents taught me to be resilient and my brothers told me to be resistant, and now I think it's time for a revolution. Let's complete the power of three.'

The third Black woman ever to be elected as an MP, Dawn Butler is a pioneer who speaks truth to power. Famously ejected from the House of Commons for calling Boris Johnson a liar, Dawn’s sense of purpose has carried her over countless hurdles to help her stand up for what is right and influence transformation, from the Met Police to the NHS.

Now, for the first time she recalls the pivotal moments in her life, to give others the courage and conviction to dream big and improve the world around them. Revealing how traditional routes to success and power are outdated, Dawn’s story shows that by celebrating the strength of diverse communities, looking at an issue from all angles and embracing intersectionality, it’s easier than we think to disrupt a broken system.

This uplifting and hopeful read shows how anybody can make positive change, even when the world around us feels fractured beyond repair.

  • Published: 2 June 2024
  • ISBN: 9781804992470
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $27.99
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About the author

Dawn Butler

Dawn Butler is the Labour MP for Brent Central and stands up for groups and people in society that are often underrepresented. Dawn was named the "most promising feminist under 35" by New Statesman magazine and was honoured as MP of the year at the 2009 Women in Public Life Awards. In 2020 she was named one of the 25 most influential women in the UK by Vogue.

Praise for A Purposeful Life

Dawn Butler is a history-making, game-changing, ceiling-smashing politician whose passionate campaigning has transformed the lives of thousands. As the first Black woman to speak at the despatch box in Parliament, Dawn has inspired many others to blaze their own paths. This warm, witty and powerful book offers a fascinating insight into both the personal and political sides of her journey.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Dawn Butler's book is a testament to her strength and resilience. A rallying cry to rise above adversity and embrace your innate power, it's a source of inspiration and a call to action for people from all walks of life.

Kanya King, CEO & Founder of the MOBO Awards

Dawn Butler writes like she lives: direct, clear, engaged, empathic, funny, principled, outspoken. She is an inspiration: her book is a triumph.

Gary Younge, author of Dispatches from the Diaspora

Dawn Butler is a trailblazing politician who leads by example: the woman who first christened Boris Johnson a liar whilst others stood back, a great ally to the LGBTQIA community, and she puts that capital D into Diversity, this book is a must-read and will be an inspiration to so many.

Linda Riley, Publisher and Editor of Diva magazine

The Labour movement is where working class people do extraordinary things. None more so than Dawn, whose incredible journey is testimony to the power of solidarity in transforming lives. She has never forgotten where she comes from.

Gary Smith, General Secretary, GMB

Dawn's story is testimony to her extraordinary abundance of bravery and commitment to seeking and telling the truth in every circumstance. She constantly fills those around her with hope and encouragement. I am continually inspired by Dawn's positivity and dedication to lifting her community with boldness and unwavering honesty.

Emeli Sandé

Dawn Butler's story is one worthy of telling. How a child of the Windrush generation in a life of activism in the Trade Union movement and the wider community became an MP and Britain's first elected Black woman minister. Her courageous battle against cancer adds to a story marked by a determination to overcome all obstacles. This book deserves to be read.

The Rt Hon. the Lord Boateng CVO DL, Britain's first Black Cabinet Minister

A funny, lively authorial voice. There are truths here that indisputably needed telling, and an irrepressibly bouncy confidence that inspires. An unexpectedly warm and uplifting read

Gaby Hinsliff, The Observer
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