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Ms Lawrence led the way
HOUSING and swimming baths might seem like headaches for the current crop of local politicians – but such issues were also at the top of the agenda 100 years ago when England’s first woman councillor was elected in Hampstead.
Liberal Reina Emily Lawrence’s work is being marked in an exhibition at Holborn Library in Theobald’s Road, which runs until the end of January.
Ms Lawrence (pictured) who lived in Belsize Avenue with her parents, eight siblings and six servants was elected to Hampstead Borough Council on December 12 1907, the first year women were able to stand for local councils.
Ms Lawrence listed housing, swimming baths and infant mortality at the top of her priorities and served on the baths, public health and works committees.
She studied law at University College London from 1893 and served on the Hampstead Distress Committee for the unemployed from 1905.
When a by-election was called in Belsize ward she was supported by the Hampstead Women’s Local Government Association and won by 319 votes.
She lost her seat in 1909. |
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