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
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. The election of 1964 ushered in a period of political to and fro between the Labour and Conservative parties and, more specifically, between the two party … Continue reading Women MPs 1964-1974
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Conservative Muriel Gammans (1898-1989) and Ulster Unionist Patricia McLaughlin (1916-1997) served as MPs from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. They had different political interests, but … Continue reading Muriel Gammans and Patricia McLaughlin
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Judith Hart (1924-1991) and Betty Harvie Anderson (1913-1979) were elected for Scottish constituencies in October 1959. Hart gained Lanark for Labour and held the seat until … Continue reading Judith Hart and Betty Harvie Anderson
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) was the first woman to serve as leader of the Conservative party, the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister, and the longest-serving Prime … Continue reading Margaret Thatcher
The next in our series on women MPs by the House of Commons Hansard Writing Team. Conservative MPs Mervyn Pike (1918-2004) and Joan Quennell (1923-2006) both served in the Second World War, using their wartime experiences to gain managerial experience before winning … Continue reading Mervyn Pike and Joan Quennell
UK Vote 100: Looking forward to the centenary of Equal Franchise in 2028 in the UK Parliament 