Baroness who flicked a V-sign in House of Lords dies aged 96
Tributes to war codebreaker Lady Trumpington
BARONESS Trumpington, famed for flicking the V-sign at a fellow Tory peer in the House of Lords, has died at the age of 96.
Her extraordinary life included working as a Second World War codebreaker and decades of public service in local and national government.
But she was propelled to national treasure status after giving two fingers to Lord King, who made a remark about her age in a 2011 debate.
It led to appearances on TV shows including Have I Got News For You and the Great British Menu.
Ex-Prime Minister David Cameron said yesterday: “She was one of a kind, they don’t make politicians like that any more. TREASURE Lady
“She’ll be sorely missed in Westminster but long remembered for her outstanding ability and great humour. RIP Trumpers.”
Born Jean Alys Campbell-Harris, her first brush with politics was fending off advances from David Lloyd George, as a 17-year-old Land Girl working on the former PM’s farm. Fluent in German and
French, she worked in naval intelligence and was posted to codebreaking centre Bletchley in Mayor before Margaret minister Lady She The local served entering baroness, of Trumpington government, stood for Cambridge Park Thatcher John as She down during the a who Major. health is Lords and as survived including spent in the died a the minister peer an war. in several on early agriculture 1980. by last a Monday, spell Adam, 1970s, under year. years as son William PM “Jean extraordinary of Theresa her enjoyed Alan late May husband Barker. career. a truly said: politics “She figure and was her in a British formidable kindness be sorely and missed.” humour will International Secretary Development Penny Trumpington Mordaunt veteran politician described as the a “trailblazer, heroine and an utter joy”. Tory peer Baroness Sayeeda Warsi added: “She always had time to deliver a good telling-off, give advice or pay a compliment. I had the privilege of being at the receiving end of all three.”