One of the first female Members of Parliament, founder of the Open University, alumna. Background Baroness Jennie Lee was born in Lochgelly, Fife, in November 1904.Daughter of James Lee, a miner and local branch leader of the Independent Labour Party, her interest in politics began at an early age.When her family moved to Cowdenbeath, the young Jennie became friends with the owner of a local bookshop, where she read books on socialism.She later continued her education at the University of Edinburgh, where she studied for her degree in Education and Law.During her time at Edinburgh, she regularly made speeches on the Mound in Princes Street, discussing socialism and arguing the case for equality for women. Photograph by Walter Bird © National Portrait Gallery Career Following a period as a teacher back in Cowdenbeath and continued involvement with the Independent Labour Party, she was elected Labour MP for North Lanark in 1929.At 24, she was the youngest Member of Parliament at that time.After a long and varied career, she left the House of Commons in 1970 when she was made Baroness Lee of Asheridge.She is best known for her time as Minister for the Arts in the 1960s, and her key role in the founding the Open University. The plaque Baroness Lee's plaque is in Buccleuch Place. Plaque text In honour of Baroness Jennie Lee1904-1988An early woman MP, first Minister for the Arts, founder of the Open University, graduate of the University Related links Lee's entry in the Gazetteer for Scotland This article was published on 2024-11-12
