Sheila Wright
Sheila Rosemary Rivers Wright (22 March 1925 – 5 July 2013) was an India-born British Labour Party politician.
Sheila Wright | |
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Member of Parliament for Birmingham Handsworth | |
In office 3 May 1979 – 8 June 1983 | |
Preceded by | John Lee |
Succeeded by | Constituency abolished |
Personal details | |
Born | Sheila Rosemary Rivers Wright 22 March 1925 Cawnpore, India |
Died | 5 July 2013 88) | (aged
Political party | Labour |
Early life
Shelia Wright was born in Cawnpore, India and raised in India. Her father was an inspector general of police until his death when Sheila was 12 years old. She was subsequently raised by her mother, who also managed a sick animal sanctuary. Initially taught by her nanny and governesses until age 11, she then taught herself politics, philosophy and history.
She left India just after the Second World War in Europe ended and lived in Southampton. She gained a social science certificate from the University of Southampton in 1951 and a sociology degree from the University of London in 1956.
Personal life
She married and, although her name changed to Gregory, she retained her maiden name in politics.
Career
Wright became a social worker and served as a councillor on Birmingham City Council 1956–79, becoming an honorary alderman. As chair of the Birmingham Education Committee, she oversaw the introduction of the comprehensive education system.
Wright was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham Handsworth at the 1979 general election. She served until 1983, when boundary changes abolished the seat and she gave up the nomination due to family matters.
She continued to perform voluntary work for the Birmingham central health authority and on numerous school governing bodies throughout Birmingham.
Death
Wright died on 5 July 2013, aged 88, after a long illness.[1]
References
- "Sheila Rivers-Gregory: obituary". Birmingham Mail. Trinity Mirror. 25 July 2013.
- Times Guide to the House of Commons, 1966 & 1979
- Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs
External links
- Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Sheila Wright
Parliament of the United Kingdom | ||
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Preceded by John Lee |
Member of Parliament for Birmingham Handsworth 1979–1983 |
Constituency abolished |