Tributes as Dame Shirley dies at 90
TRIBUTES have been paid to Baroness Williams – better known as Shirley Williams – who has died at the age of 90.
She was one of the disenchanted former Labour Cabinet ministers who became one of the Gang of Four founders of the breakaway and shortlived Social Democratic
Party (SDP).
Throughout her political career, both in the Labour Party and subsequently the SDP and then the Liberal Democrats, Ms Williams was a passionate pro-european.
Libdem leader Ed Davey said: “Shirley has been an inspiration to millions, a Liberal lion and a true trailblazer. I feel privileged to have known her, listened to her and worked with her.
“Like so many others, I will miss her terribly. Political life will be poorer without her intellect, her wisdom and her generosity.”
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said Baroness Williams was a “trailblazer” for women.
He said: “Baroness Shirley Williams enjoyed politics massively – it meant the most enormous amount to her – and if she felt she could do some good in the world, she was happy.
“She loved elections – and continued campaigning long after she ceased to be an MP – liking nothing better than engaging in debate with people and politicians.
“She was a trailblazer for women and education, one of the first women to sit in Cabinet and the only female member of the Gang of Four.
“Without doubt, she was one of a kind, and a character we all shall miss.”
Labour’s shadow justice secretary David Lammy tweeted: “Very sad Shirley Williams has died. I was lucky to be taught by her at Harvard and to forge a friendship across the political divide in politics.
“Kind, eclectic with the sharpest of minds she was a female pioneer and a giant of the political centre ground.” Amanda Milling, MP and chair of the Conservative Party, tweeted: “Incredibly sad to hear of the recent passing of Baroness Williams.
“Baroness Williams’ political service was remarkable and she served as an inspiration for many young women looking to start a political career.
“My heartfelt thoughts and condolences to Shirley’s family and friends.”
Former prime minister Tony Blair has paid tribute to Baroness Williams, saying that she had been an inspiration to many in Labour even after she left the party. He said in a statement: “For many of us in the Labour Party and even after she left it, she remained a source of inspiration and someone to look up to and admire – warm, generous, humane, and uplifting.
“She will be greatly missed.”