First woman attorney general for England, Wales and Norther Ireland, Patricia Scotland, 2007

In June 2007 Patricia Scotland became the first woman to take up the position of Attorney General for England, Wales and Northern Ireland since its foundation in 1315. She was also the first black woman, and indeed the first black person, to be elevated to the post. On her appointment, members of the press described her as the most prominent black woman in government and as a leading voice on racial, feminist and equality issues. She held the post for 3 years until the fall of the Labour Government but went on to serve as Shadow Attorney General from 2010 – 2011.