How did Floella Benjamin become a baroness?

Floella Benjamin was appointed a Liberal Democrat life peer in 2010, during the Dissolution Honours List, and was created Baroness Benjamin of Beckenham in the London Borough of Bromley on June 26, 2010.

She was the first actress elected to the House of Lords.

In her maiden speech, she mentioned how she chose Beckenham to honor her mother and father’s legacy, as well as the value of childhood.

She mentioned her support for organizations like the NSPCC, Childline, and Barnados, which work to protect and support the health and well-being of vulnerable children.

Born on 23rd September 1949, Floella left school at 16 with the intention of becoming Britain’s first black woman bank manager, but instead became an actress, presenter, writer, independent producer, working peer, and an active advocate for the welfare, care, and education of children all over the world.

She also founded and ran a successful film and television production company.