The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. In 1975, Margaret Thatcher defeated Ted Heath in the Conservative party leadership election to became Leader of the Opposition and the first woman to lead a … Continue reading Women MPs 1975-1986
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Labour’s Maureen Colquhoun (1928-2021) and Joan Maynard (1921-1998) were both elected in 1974’s general elections. They were campaigning MPs with strong commitments to their … Continue reading Maureen Colquhoun and Joan Maynard
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Millie Miller (1922-1977) and Josephine “Jo” Richardson (1923-1994) were both inspired to enter politics to improve the lives of working-class women. They were elected as Labour … Continue reading Millie Miller and Jo Richardson
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Margaret Ewing (1945-2006) and Margo MacDonald (1943-2014) had very different careers in the UK Parliament. Ewing was an MP for nearly 20 years, MacDonald for less … Continue reading Margaret Ewing and Margo MacDonald
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Conservative MP Mary Holt (1924-2021) and Labour MP Audrey Wise (1932-2000) both had an association with Preston, and represented the town in Parliament. Mary Holt was … Continue reading Mary Holt and Audrey Wise
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Shirley Williams (1930-2021) was the daughter of feminist writer and pacifist Vera Brittain, who achieved fame as the author of “Testament of Youth” (1933), and political … Continue reading Shirley Williams
Elaine Kellett-Bowman (1923-2014) and Constance Monks (1911-1989) were first elected as Conservative MPs representing Lancashire constituencies in 1970. The first of these MPs was able to enjoy a long Parliamentary career despite sitting for a marginal seat; the second lost … Continue reading Elaine Kellett-Bowman and Constance Monks
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Conservative MP Peggy Fenner (1922-2014) and Labour MP Doris Fisher (1919-2005) were first elected in 1970. Both were strong speakers, effectively deploying plain language to get … Continue reading Peggy Fenner and Doris Fisher
Labour MPs Gwyneth Dunwoody (1930-2008) and Joan Lestor (1931-1998) were first elected to Parliament at the 1966 general election, and served in Parliament for the rest of their lives. Both held ministerial office, but were willing to defy the party’s … Continue reading Gwyneth Dunwoody and Joan Lestor
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. In 1964, Labour candidates Anne Kerr (1925-1973), Margaret McKay (1907-1996) and Renée Short (1919-2003) secured the seats of Rochester and Chatham, Clapham, and Wolverhampton North-East, and … Continue reading Anne Kerr, Margaret McKay and Renée Short
UK Vote 100: Looking forward to the centenary of Equal Franchise in 2028 in the UK Parliament 