Ryedale 1986 byelection

Women became eligible to stand for election to Parliament in 1918 and the first woman Liberal MP was elected in 1921. Yet until 1986, only four women ever sat as Liberal MPs, half of whom were elected at by-elections.  Between 1951 and 1986 there were no Liberal women MPs at all. Then came Elizabeth Shields. Elizabeth was a local councillor. She fought Ryedale at the 1983 General Election losing by 16,000 votes. Three years later, the Conservative sitting M.P. died and Elizabeth was again our candidate. She not only won with 50.03% of the vote, overturning the huge majority, she won with a respectable margin of 4,940 votes. A swing of 19%. 

Sadly, the Conservative regained the seat at the 1987 General Election but in the forty years since, the Party has never been without a woman M.P.

Elizabeth continued to serve as a councillor including a time as Group Leader and as Chair of the District Council until she lost her seat in the 2019 local elections. She was 91 years old!

Elizabeth was guest of honour at this year’s Spring Conference in York where Party President Josh Babarinde presented her with a special award. 

Elizabeth is now 98 years old and remains a member of Lib Dem Women. We in LDW are thankful to Elizabeth Shields for stepping up, being prepared to fight a seemingly hopeless seat but most of all, for ending the 35 year long famine of Lib Dem women M.P.s. Elizabeth – you’re a hero.

Elizabeth Jewkes