Catalogue description Ward, Baroness Irene

How she got involved in public life. Her mother's example, and VAD work in First World War. Her first speech. Sir Cecil Cochrane. Why chosen as Conservative candidate for Morpeth in 1924. Fighting Ebbie Edwards as Conservative candidate in 1929. Elected for Wallsend in 1931, winning again in 1935. How it helped to know a lot about coal. Her affection for the miners. Her parents. The miner's sense of humour at meetings. Her enjoyment at being heckled. Her feeling of obligation towards the poor electors who had been responsible for her success in 1931. Her association with the left-wing section of the Conservative Party, and her enthusiasm for Harold Macmillan. Baroness W's skill at ballroom dancing in the 1920s. Lady Astor's kindness to her after 1931. Lady Astor's sense of humour but inappropriate methods as a politician. Her admiration for Baldwin as exponent of progressive Toryism. Her lack of connexion with women's organisations. The Womanpower Committee in the Second World War. Mavis Tate.