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Women of Westminster: The MPs Who Changed Politics
In 1919 Nancy Astor was elected as the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton, becoming the first woman MP to take her seat in the House of Commons. Her achievement was all the more remarkable given that women (and even then only some women) had only been entitled to vote for just over a year. In the past 100 years, a total of 491 women have been elected to Parliament. Yet it was not until 2016 that the total number of women ever elected surpassed the number of male MPs in a single parliament.
The achievements of these political pioneers have been remarkable – Britain has now had two female Prime Ministers and women MPs have made significant strides in fighting for gender equality - from the earliest suffrage campaigns, to Barbara Castle's fight for equal pay, to Harriet Harman's recent legislation on the gender pay gap. Yet the stories of so many women MPs have too often been overlooked in political histories. In this book, Rachel Reeves brings forgotten MPs out of the shadows and looks at the many battles fought by the Women of Westminster, from 1919 to 2019.
The achievements of these political pioneers have been remarkable – Britain has now had two female Prime Ministers and women MPs have made significant strides in fighting for gender equality - from the earliest suffrage campaigns, to Barbara Castle's fight for equal pay, to Harriet Harman's recent legislation on the gender pay gap. Yet the stories of so many women MPs have too often been overlooked in political histories. In this book, Rachel Reeves brings forgotten MPs out of the shadows and looks at the many battles fought by the Women of Westminster, from 1919 to 2019.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2019
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390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 24, 2021
I originally wanted to start Michael Taylor’s The Interest: How the British Establishment Resisted the Abolition of Slavery this week, but having learned of Shirley Williams’ (distinguished MP and daughter of Vera Brittain) passing (Guardian obituary here), I put Women of Westminster: The MPs who Changed Politics ahead of other books.
This also tied in nicely with my attempt to finally finish Laura Beer’s biography of Ellen Wilkinson (Red Ellen: The Life of Ellen Wilkinson, Socialist, Feminist, Internationalist), which in turn might tie in nicely with a re-read of Wilkinson’s excellent Golden Age Mystery The The Division Bell Mystery, which is in the running for being June’s side read of the Appointment With Agatha group (on Goodreads).
Having read Mary Beard’s excellent Foreword and Rachel Reeves’ Introduction to the book, I could already tell that this book would be as infuriating a read as Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men.
Women of Westminster was jam-packed with information and quotes and everything I hoped the book would be except for one thing: I wish Reeves had given us more analysis of the impact that she credits to each of the women that is featured.
I.e. the book could do with a little more context on how the different achievements changed the politics of their day. Reeves provides this for some of the MPs, especially in the later part of the book, but not for all.
It’s a minor quibble.
Women of Westminster offered an insight into the biographies of UK women Members of Parliament as well as the workings of Westminster, a history lesson in how certain legislation came to pass, and best of all how efforts in parliament responded to – or even drove in one instance (seatbelts) – to changes in society.
This has been a much better read than I expected to be honest. I was a little doubtful over a book written by a politician and was wondering if Reeves was using the book to push any Labour agenda. However, as even Margaret Thatcher gets dealt with fairly (certainly more favourably than I would have expected – and I am no fan of hers either), I have really enjoyed the book.
Alas, Reeves’ book only covers the years until 2018 and, therefore, misses out on the turbulent aftermath of Theresa May’s government. Maybe that was a good thing, because it would have infuriated me to have to relive the political events that followed. Still, I would have liked to read Reeves’ take on them.
This also tied in nicely with my attempt to finally finish Laura Beer’s biography of Ellen Wilkinson (Red Ellen: The Life of Ellen Wilkinson, Socialist, Feminist, Internationalist), which in turn might tie in nicely with a re-read of Wilkinson’s excellent Golden Age Mystery The The Division Bell Mystery, which is in the running for being June’s side read of the Appointment With Agatha group (on Goodreads).
Having read Mary Beard’s excellent Foreword and Rachel Reeves’ Introduction to the book, I could already tell that this book would be as infuriating a read as Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men.
Women of Westminster was jam-packed with information and quotes and everything I hoped the book would be except for one thing: I wish Reeves had given us more analysis of the impact that she credits to each of the women that is featured.
I.e. the book could do with a little more context on how the different achievements changed the politics of their day. Reeves provides this for some of the MPs, especially in the later part of the book, but not for all.
It’s a minor quibble.
Women of Westminster offered an insight into the biographies of UK women Members of Parliament as well as the workings of Westminster, a history lesson in how certain legislation came to pass, and best of all how efforts in parliament responded to – or even drove in one instance (seatbelts) – to changes in society.
This has been a much better read than I expected to be honest. I was a little doubtful over a book written by a politician and was wondering if Reeves was using the book to push any Labour agenda. However, as even Margaret Thatcher gets dealt with fairly (certainly more favourably than I would have expected – and I am no fan of hers either), I have really enjoyed the book.
Alas, Reeves’ book only covers the years until 2018 and, therefore, misses out on the turbulent aftermath of Theresa May’s government. Maybe that was a good thing, because it would have infuriated me to have to relive the political events that followed. Still, I would have liked to read Reeves’ take on them.
August 1, 2019
very interesting and detailed history written by a current female MP about the history and growth of women MPS since the introduction of the female vote in 1918 and their influence on social policy, welfare and other growing areas as time passed by and the historic moment when a woman was elected prime minster in 1979 to the modern day with a second female prime minster at the time the book was written.
July 15, 2019
Very glad that this book exists to highlight the work of women MPs and how much is still to be done. My favourite quote comes from Harriet Harman’s afterword: “while we should be gratified by how far we’ve come, we should not be grateful because we were only ever fighting for what should always have been ours - our right to equality”
December 29, 2020
Eventually finished this after meticulously combing through it for dissertation research. Learnt so much about the empowering women who have built the UK’s government over the past 100 years.
February 1, 2020
Fantastic book. Really interesting and well written.
November 5, 2022
This is an incredibly well written, well researched and important book that details the history, struggle and successes of our women MPs from all parties ( yes even that bloody woman Thatcher!!!!!).
I would highly recommend this book to all, be they female, male or identify as different….. and it should be on all reading lists for our children!!!!
I would highly recommend this book to all, be they female, male or identify as different….. and it should be on all reading lists for our children!!!!
January 27, 2021
Well written and bi-partisan approach to the topic of female MPs, highly recommend if your into your history of politics in the UK, easy to read and digest and rewarding and informative.
December 4, 2023
rilliant book, excellent research using data to illustrated stories.
Takes you on a journey from the very first woman MP to today (Well it was published in 2019 so 4 years out of date).
The book is not tied to any party political standpoint or ideology (although the author expresses a challenge and call to action for her party in the final "afterward" section).
She outlines the transions that have taken place in UK politics over time and the challenges of many tenacious women MPs have faced and continue to face to the present day, discussing some of the most trying elements (such as the murder of Jo Cox and threats and misogyny encountered by women MPs). For historical figures she delves into the archives to bring forward the narratives for those more recent times and MPs who are sitting at the time of authoring she has interviewed and brought the perspectives and experiences to life authentically bringing insights about the truths of the lives of these tenacious women that have been twisted and manipulated by the press.
The book highlights the importance of breaking the glass ceiling and the changes being wrought as a result of this.
She also talks about how much women have achieved by working across party groups rather than playing the power games that have dropped down the patriarchal misogyny of the traditions of different parties; essentially focusses on the benefits of collaboration and bringing many opposing views to the table to grow something better rather than shutting down opposing views.
A really powerful book, and recommended read/listen - for any woman to identify their self worth and for men to realise just how misogynistic the world is that they take for granted.
Takes you on a journey from the very first woman MP to today (Well it was published in 2019 so 4 years out of date).
The book is not tied to any party political standpoint or ideology (although the author expresses a challenge and call to action for her party in the final "afterward" section).
She outlines the transions that have taken place in UK politics over time and the challenges of many tenacious women MPs have faced and continue to face to the present day, discussing some of the most trying elements (such as the murder of Jo Cox and threats and misogyny encountered by women MPs). For historical figures she delves into the archives to bring forward the narratives for those more recent times and MPs who are sitting at the time of authoring she has interviewed and brought the perspectives and experiences to life authentically bringing insights about the truths of the lives of these tenacious women that have been twisted and manipulated by the press.
The book highlights the importance of breaking the glass ceiling and the changes being wrought as a result of this.
She also talks about how much women have achieved by working across party groups rather than playing the power games that have dropped down the patriarchal misogyny of the traditions of different parties; essentially focusses on the benefits of collaboration and bringing many opposing views to the table to grow something better rather than shutting down opposing views.
A really powerful book, and recommended read/listen - for any woman to identify their self worth and for men to realise just how misogynistic the world is that they take for granted.
July 18, 2023
This is a really great read which spans several genres. It's obviously political, but is also full of history and stories of Suffrage and discrimination even during recent times!
Everyone knows we've had one female Prime Minister and can probably name her, but I bet almost nobody can name the first female MP or know where her constituency is. This should be taught in our schools and celebrated.
I really enjoyed hearing about the early female MP's stories and saddened to read how they were treated. Their various styles of avoiding "trouble", standing their ground and dealing with the demeaning comments was really inventive! For example a group of fairly early female MP's (It took a very long time for there to be enough to form any kind of group!) decided to wear stiletto high heels When a male MP groped their bottom from behind they stamped on his foot as hard as they could. This was with the aim of warning the other women to be wary of the man limping.
I once was heavily involved in politics during a very well known by-election and the famous Brexit referendum. However I left because it became toxic as a wife and mother, the higher I climbed the most nasty the incumbent men became. So I thought I knew how hard it was for women in politics but it was far worse than I imagined! It's a vile place for those who are elected as an MP. Hats off to anyone who could survive in that environment.
We all know how much we own the men who fought for our country and freedoms. I believe we should show the same respect to the women who gave us the right to vote and have our political voices heard.
Everyone knows we've had one female Prime Minister and can probably name her, but I bet almost nobody can name the first female MP or know where her constituency is. This should be taught in our schools and celebrated.
I really enjoyed hearing about the early female MP's stories and saddened to read how they were treated. Their various styles of avoiding "trouble", standing their ground and dealing with the demeaning comments was really inventive! For example a group of fairly early female MP's (It took a very long time for there to be enough to form any kind of group!) decided to wear stiletto high heels When a male MP groped their bottom from behind they stamped on his foot as hard as they could. This was with the aim of warning the other women to be wary of the man limping.
I once was heavily involved in politics during a very well known by-election and the famous Brexit referendum. However I left because it became toxic as a wife and mother, the higher I climbed the most nasty the incumbent men became. So I thought I knew how hard it was for women in politics but it was far worse than I imagined! It's a vile place for those who are elected as an MP. Hats off to anyone who could survive in that environment.
We all know how much we own the men who fought for our country and freedoms. I believe we should show the same respect to the women who gave us the right to vote and have our political voices heard.
August 10, 2022
I read 82% of this. Then I found out that Rachel Reeves says that people like me don't matter and she waged war on us.
"The welfare state should be based on the contributory principle, if you pay something in, you deserve more out."
"Labour will be tougher than Tories on benefits, vows Rachel Reeves".
"We don’t want to be seen, and we’re not, [as] the party to represent those who are out of work… Labour are a party of working people, formed for and by working people."
and previously "We don’t want to be seen, and we’re not, [as] the party to represent those who are out of work… Labour are a party of working people, formed for and by working people."
Which is undermined by her own book, where she talks about the mistakes made and the measures put in place to help those who could not work like pensioners becoming destitute and starving, and focusing on mothers (a lot) who could not work. But is also writing off a huge section of vulnerable society, like me. So finishing her book is not something I can do - and it was already quite dull with a not great narration by Harriet Harman. I just wish I hadn't given her my money. Because she doesn't think I should have any money.
"The welfare state should be based on the contributory principle, if you pay something in, you deserve more out."
"Labour will be tougher than Tories on benefits, vows Rachel Reeves".
"We don’t want to be seen, and we’re not, [as] the party to represent those who are out of work… Labour are a party of working people, formed for and by working people."
and previously "We don’t want to be seen, and we’re not, [as] the party to represent those who are out of work… Labour are a party of working people, formed for and by working people."
Which is undermined by her own book, where she talks about the mistakes made and the measures put in place to help those who could not work like pensioners becoming destitute and starving, and focusing on mothers (a lot) who could not work. But is also writing off a huge section of vulnerable society, like me. So finishing her book is not something I can do - and it was already quite dull with a not great narration by Harriet Harman. I just wish I hadn't given her my money. Because she doesn't think I should have any money.
March 25, 2021
Informative if scholarly look at women in parliament from Nancy Astor, through Barbara Castle, Maggie Thatcher and Shirley Williams to recent female MPs like Harriet Harman, Theresa May, Jo Swinson and Jo Cox. This book highlights the work of each era of women MPs changed the perceptions and preconceptions of both their male counterparts and society as a whole and how they affected social change for good or ill in reform on divorce, custody of children, equal pay, domestic violence, poverty amongst many other social issues. I found this book a bit of an eye opener as it highlighted for me at least more of the lesser known women such as Eleanor Rathbone, Margaret Bondfield and Ellen Wilkinson who I knew less about than their more modern counterparts. Really interesting and a must read for anyone interested in British History.
April 6, 2020
I heard Rachel Reeves speak about Ellen Wilkinson at the Bodies from the Library conference in 2018. Ellen Wilkinson was an early Labour MP who also turned her hand to writing a detective novel (the division bell).
Here through research and interviews Reeves has created a fascinating account of women MPs. Rachel Reeves herself is a Labour party MP. Unsurprisingly at a few points the book reflects how Labour have yet to have a woman leader. I did wonder if this might change whilst I was reading this book, but it was not to be.
Here through research and interviews Reeves has created a fascinating account of women MPs. Rachel Reeves herself is a Labour party MP. Unsurprisingly at a few points the book reflects how Labour have yet to have a woman leader. I did wonder if this might change whilst I was reading this book, but it was not to be.
March 3, 2023
I bought this book when i went to London for a holiday. I got so interested in British Politics (well i am a political science student too) and when i saw this book with no hesitation, i want to read it. I really love how Reeves deliver this story of the first woman MP until the fight of woman MP’s now. By reading this book, i can see how they really fight for the seat; policies; and many more for the equality.
August 31, 2022
This book taught me a lot that I didn't know before as it went to the very beginning of women being able to become MPs/be able to vote. It is a very well researched book and highly detailed. I really liked it. I reccomend it if the subject interests you. It is thought provoking and fantastic.
April 26, 2023
Really interesting read featuring not just the big names. I often read these women's history books and they add little to what I know. This one left me keen to follow up on some stories - particularly Family Allowance, and really need to read more about Barbara Castle.
December 6, 2020
Really informative
April 23, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Read for Uni Bookgroup. Will definitely be recommending to some political friends (of all genders - especially men!).
November 1, 2022
written three years ago and is three prime ministers out of date what a time 😵💫
March 10, 2023
Thoughtfully written and informative without being full of horrid jargon.
August 12, 2023
Found this interesting. Definitely feel very grateful for the women who worked hard for women's rights and equality, and continue to do so.
February 3, 2024
Well researched and inspiring account of women working across party lines to change Westminster and beyond
September 5, 2024
Very interesting, thought provoking. Women reading this should feel bothered and inspired to do something about the fact that things are currently the way they are.
October 6, 2024
This was an ok book I got a bit bored reading it tbh
March 17, 2025
I bought this book in the Houses of Parliament last year and since I’m quite interested in the history of female MPs and Reeves’ work I thought I’d enjoy this a lot.
I did – in some ways. Particularly the insights into Reeves own time in Parliament and the interviews with other MPs or former MPs in the later sections of the book. Overall, it is a very strong book of history in terms of content and the fact that it is written by a Parliamentarian certainly helps.
The thing that first struck me about this book, however, is the amount of typos?? This genuinely confuses me – did no one proofread this? This book misspells Mary Wollstonecraft as “Wolstonecraft”, Angela Rayner as “Angela Raynor”, Layla Moran as “Leyla Moran” and also occasionally uses the American spelling of certain words (“modernize” etc.). Obviously this doesn’t really detract from the content within the book, but it certainly doesn’t contribute to the reading experience. I’m very confused as to how it was allowed to happen, with the book being written by an MP and published by a large company.
The main reason I’ve given this 3 stars is because of the writing style. Reeves is an MP and economist and not a career author, which makes this forgivable, but the writing style of the book is practically identical to that of her social media posts and Guardian editorials: really dry. Which is 100% ok for her politics (and is also definitely the point of her politics – I do trust her with my money) but it is incredibly difficult to enjoy reading, as evidenced by the amount of time I took to read it.
I have just realised how long my review is and I’m genuinely surprised by how strongly I feel about this interestingly factual but blandly worded book. And it is deeply ironic that my overall thoughts, to wrap up this (very long) review is simply that it’s solid. Read it if you’re interested.
I did – in some ways. Particularly the insights into Reeves own time in Parliament and the interviews with other MPs or former MPs in the later sections of the book. Overall, it is a very strong book of history in terms of content and the fact that it is written by a Parliamentarian certainly helps.
The thing that first struck me about this book, however, is the amount of typos?? This genuinely confuses me – did no one proofread this? This book misspells Mary Wollstonecraft as “Wolstonecraft”, Angela Rayner as “Angela Raynor”, Layla Moran as “Leyla Moran” and also occasionally uses the American spelling of certain words (“modernize” etc.). Obviously this doesn’t really detract from the content within the book, but it certainly doesn’t contribute to the reading experience. I’m very confused as to how it was allowed to happen, with the book being written by an MP and published by a large company.
The main reason I’ve given this 3 stars is because of the writing style. Reeves is an MP and economist and not a career author, which makes this forgivable, but the writing style of the book is practically identical to that of her social media posts and Guardian editorials: really dry. Which is 100% ok for her politics (and is also definitely the point of her politics – I do trust her with my money) but it is incredibly difficult to enjoy reading, as evidenced by the amount of time I took to read it.
I have just realised how long my review is and I’m genuinely surprised by how strongly I feel about this interestingly factual but blandly worded book. And it is deeply ironic that my overall thoughts, to wrap up this (very long) review is simply that it’s solid. Read it if you’re interested.
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