Gerald Kaufman was a British politician and politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for 47 years. He was born on June 21, 1930, in Leeds, England, to Jewish parents Louis and Jane Kaufman.

Kaufman attended Leeds Grammar School and then studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Queens’ College, Cambridge. After completing his education, he entered the political arena and joined the Labour Party. Kaufman started his political career as a journalist, working for the New Statesman and then becoming a writer and broadcaster for BBC’s Panorama.

In 1970, Kaufman was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Manchester Ardwick constituency, a position he held until his retirement in 2017. He continued his political career by representing Manchester Gorton from 1983 until his retirement. Kaufman quickly rose through the ranks within the Labour Party, serving as the Shadow Environment Secretary, Shadow Home Secretary, and Shadow Foreign Secretary over the years.

Kaufman was known for his strong advocacy on various issues, particularly those related to human rights, international conflict, and social justice. He vocally opposed the Iraq War in 2003 and criticized his own party’s position on the issue. Kaufman was also an outspoken critic of Israel’s policy towards Palestine, often calling for a more balanced approach to the Middle East conflict.

While Kaufman made significant contributions to British politics, his impact reached beyond his parliamentary career. He was an avid supporter of the arts and played a crucial role in safeguarding the funding and promotion of cultural institutions. Kaufman served as a Minister for the Arts in the 1970s and played a pivotal role in establishing the National Lottery, which provided substantial funding for cultural and artistic projects.

Throughout his career, Gerald Kaufman received numerous awards and honors for his contributions. He was knighted in 2004 for his services to Parliament and served as the Father of the House from 2015 until his retirement. His commitment to social justice and cultural promotion earned him the respect of his colleagues and constituents alike.

Gerald Kaufman passed away on February 26, 2017, at the age of 86. He left behind a legacy of principled politics and advocacy for social justice. His passion for human rights and cultural promotion continues to inspire others in the field of politics and beyond. Kaufman’s commitment to his causes, combined with his wit and sharp intellect, earned him a lasting influence on British society and politics.