After Dinner SpeakersJohn Taylor, Baron Taylor of Warwick, is a member of the House of Lords.
In 1996, at the age of 43, he became one of the youngest and the only black peer in the House of Lords, taking the title The Lord Taylor of Warwick.
Lord Taylor was the First Black Government Special Adviser in Britain, advising the Home Secretary and Ministers of State. Furthermore, he introduced and carried through the Criminal Evidence Amendment Act 1997, which established Britain’s first-ever DNA Database.
He is The Vice Chairman of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Performing Arts Education and Training; and Vice Chairman of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for ITV Television.
John Taylor was born in Birmingham to Jamaican immigrants. His father was a professional cricketer, playing for Warwickshire and the West Indies, and his mother a nurse.
Lord Taylor was called to the bar in 1978 as a Barrister-at-Law. The Lord Chancellor later appointed him as a Judge.
Becoming politically active as a councillor in Solihull, Lord Taylor was elected to represent the Conservative ward of St Alphege in 1985. He was re-elected for a 4-year term in May 1988.
Author, Journalist and Broadcaster:
An experienced TV and radio broadcaster, Lord Taylor has hosted his own shows on the BBC including The John Taylor Show, Powerhouse, Crime Stalker and Talk About. From news shows to law, current affairs and politics though to sport, Lord Taylor has also hosted music programmes as The Soul Baron.
A published author and journalist, Lord Taylor has written articles for major newspapers and magazines on a number of current topics.
Lord Taylor of Warwick – Keynote Speaker:
Lord Taylor is a member of the International Trade Council and is the first Black British Peer to have spoken at the White House, United Nations, and Kremlin. He speaks globally, in countries including America, Japan, China and Brazil. Having been the First Black British Chancellor at Bournemouth University, he promotes greater diversity in society.
Popular speaking topics include:
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Politics
- Equality
- Race Relations
- The Law
- Leadership
- Education
Following a speech in Las Vegas he was awarded the ‘Freedom of Las Vegas’ as a result, the City also has an official Lord Taylor of Warwick Day every September!
During Lord Taylor’s 10-year appointment as Vice President for the British Board of Film Classification, he transformed the BBFC from an ‘all-white organisation’ to one that truly reflects modern Britain. Lord Taylor continues to be a Diversity Champion at the top of the public and private sector.
The official Lord Taylor of Warwick website.
Executive Boards & Patronage:
Lord Taylor has presided over multi-million-pound budgets such as the London Health Authority Board and The London Further Education Funding Council.
In 1997, he founded the Warwick Leadership Academy, which mentors future business and political leaders from over fifty nations, including America and the Far East.
Lord Taylor also serves as Patron of several Charities and is a Founder Member of The UK Independent Football Commission.
