- Steve Bassam, Baron Bassam of Brighton
(John) Steven Bassam, Baron Bassam of Brighton (born
11 June 1953 ) is a British Labour and Co-operative politician and member of theHouse of Lords .Having studied at the
University of Sussex andUniversity of Kent , where he received a Masters in social work, Bassam began his career as a social worker at Camden Borough council. He moved on to other roles in local government, serving as Head ofEnvironmental Health and Consumer Affairs at theAssociation of Metropolitan Authorities , laterLocal Government Association 1988-97.Infamously he was also a
squatter during his early years in Brighton, where upon he founded theSquatters Union which campaigned for the rights of squatters to accommodate empty properties and improving the conditions of the squats for the purpose of living.In the meantime, Bassam had become involved in local politics and became a
Brighton councillor, rising to become Leader of Brighton, thenBrighton & Hove Council from 1987 until 1999. He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament in BrightonKemptown at the 1987 general election against the Conservative MPAndrew Bowden . He was made alife peer as Baron Bassam of Brighton, of Brighton in the County ofEast Sussex , and acts as a government whip and spokesperson for the Cabinet Office andHome Office .Bassam and his partner,
Jill Whittaker , had two daughtersLauren Bassam and Ellen Bassam and two sonsTom Bassam and Gregory who died in infancy. Bassam is a keenBrighton & Hove Albion fan and competitive if not slightly ageing club cricketer forPreston Village C.C. andBrighton Beamers C.C. a passion he also shares with his son Tom.###@@@KEY@@@###Succession box
before = The Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
title =Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms
Chief Whip of theHouse of Lords
years = 2008 – present
after = Incumbent
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