Political Representation
History: KS3, topic 15.3.2
Political Representation
In 1919, Nancy Astor became the first female Member of Parliament. Astor was elected into the seat previously held by her husband.
Women in Parliament
- Constance Markievicz was the 1st elected member of Parliament in December 1918.
- As Constance was a member of Sinn Fein, she refused to take her seat in Parliament.
- This is because Sinn Fein is an Irish republican party which does not believe in governance from Britain.
- Before 1945, there were 38 women elected to Parliament.
Women in the House of Lords
- The House of Lords did not vote in favour of admitting women until 1949.
- In 1958, the Life Peerages Act meant women could now enter the House of Lords as life peers.
- In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister.
Test yourself on Political Representation
When did the House of Lords begin admitting women?