Born in south London to a Trinidadian mother and Guyanese father, Lord Alli got his first job aged 16 via a job centre, doing research for Planned Savings magazine.
Initially earning £40 a week, he soon left that role for a much more lucrative career in the City, before later turning his attention to the world of television.
Alongside his then-partner Charlie Parsons and singer Bob Geldof, he helped set up Planet 24, the TV company behind ‘The Big Breakfast’.
The company was later sold to Carlton Communications, where he was a director and worked alongside David Cameron, then an executive at the company.
Entering the House of Lords, he made his first speech as a parliamentarian in favour of lowering the age of consent for gay relationships from 18 to 16.
He was also given a place on Panel 2000, dubbed the “committee for cool”, which advised the New Labour government how to present Britain around the world.
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