Keith Vaz
Former Minister of State of the United Kingdom for Europe and North America
Keith Vaz
Former Minister of State of the United Kingdom for Europe and North America
Keith Vaz is a British former politician who served as the Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Leicester East from 1987 to 2019, making him one of the longest-serving British-Asian MPs. Born in Aden (now Yemen) to Goan parents, he moved to the UK and trained as a solicitor before entering politics. During his career, he held various roles, including Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, but his tenure was marked by multiple controversies, including allegations of misconduct and scandals involving conflicts of interest and personal behaviour. He was suspended from Parliament in 2019 after a report found he had engaged in inappropriate conduct, leading to his retirement from politics. Despite the controversies, he was a prominent figure in advocating for diversity and minority rights in British politics.
Andrew Mitchell
- Sunday, 16 October 2016
Speaking at prime minister's question time, David Cameron says the former chief whip Andrew Mitchell is owed an apology from police officers who gave an "untrue" account of a meeting with him at the height of the 'plebgate' affair.
Chuka Umanna On Keith Vaz Quitting
- Wednesday, 07 September 2016
After Keith Vaz quit as head of the Home Affairs Committee, MP Chuka Umannu explains why he thinks that he made the right decision.
Calls for investigation after MP Keith Vaz male escort claims
- Monday, 05 September 2016
Keith Vaz, who led a parliamentary committee on issues like prostitution and drugs, is facing calls to step down and a potential investigation after reports surfaced that he hired male escorts and offered to pay for illegal drugs. Despite the controversy, he returned to the Commons as usual.
Keith Vaz Gangnam Style
- Friday, 28 June 2013
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz challenged fellow MPs to a "Gangnam Style dance-off" after being filmed copying the viral dance. He joined students at Gateway College to celebrate Leicester's City of Culture bid and extended his challenge to MPs from other competing cities—Hull, Swansea Bay, and Dundee. While some found the idea amusing, others were bemused. Vaz admitted the stunt embarrassed his daughter but saw it as a fun way to promote the bids. He suggested holding the dance-off at Parliament and even invited Psy to judge.