I was born in care in 1953, staying in care until I reached 18. I went on to Bristol University. I have two adult daughters.

I have been involved in voluntary activities ever since I established Bristol Gypsy Support Group in 1971, and won the first official Travellers’ site in the city. I was also the University’s NUS Secretary.  I joined the Labour Party in 1974 and became a Militant supporter. In 1976, I became National Chair of the People’s National Party of Jamaica’s UK Youth Branch (76-79). Between 1977 and 1978, I represented the Labour Party Young Socialists on trips to Ireland and Jamaica, and at international congresses in Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Havanna. In 1978 I became the first Black to be elected National Chair of the Labour Party Young Socialists.  In 1990, I was a founding Executive member of Panther (UK). Between 1993 and 1994 I was chair of Manchester Parents of Black Children, and, in 1993, organised Manchester’s Malcolm X Day. In 1994, I was a guest speaker at the Pakistan Trades Union Congress.

Between 2000 and 2003, I was National Chair of Care Leavers Association. Between 2002 and 2003, I was a weekly guest contributor for Community Care Magazine

In 2005, I played the PR role in the successful campaign to secure a dignified burial in the Punjab for the British-born liberation priest, Father Mark Barnes.

I love football, literature, travelling, performing and singing. I am a joint owner of FC United of Manchester

 

email: phil@philframpton.co.uk