30 Facts About Harriet Harman

Early Life and Education

Harriet Harman's journey began in London, where she was born into a family with a strong professional background. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her future political career.

1. Harriet Harman was born on July 30, 1950, in London’s Marylebone.
2. Her father was a Harley Street doctor, and her mother was a barrister.
3. Harman attended the prestigious St Paul’s Girls School.
4. She later graduated with a degree in Politics from the University of York.

Legal Career and Early Political Involvement

Before diving into politics, Harman made significant strides in the legal field, advocating for equal rights and justice.

5. After completing her education, Harman qualified as a solicitor.
6. Her first job as a solicitor was at Brent Law Centre in 1974.
7. At Brent Law Centre, she was the legal advisor to the Trico Equal Pay strike committee and the Grunwick Strike Committee.
8. Harman also represented tenants and residents groups, including a notable case against noise nuisance from Futters, a local factory.
9. She became the Legal Officer to Liberty (then the National Council for Civil Liberties), where she took the first cases for women under the then-new Equal Pay and Sex Discrimination Acts.

Entry into Parliament

Harman's entry into Parliament marked the beginning of her long and impactful political career.

10. In 1982, Harman was elected as the MP for Peckham (now Camberwell and Peckham) in a by-election.
11. She was 7 months pregnant at the time and became one of only 10 Labour women MPs.
12. After joining Parliament, Harman set up the first Parliamentary Labour Party Women’s Group to address the underrepresentation of women in politics.

Shadow Cabinet Roles

Harman's influence grew as she took on various roles within the Labour Party's shadow cabinet.

13. In 1984, Harman was appointed Shadow Minister for Social Services by Labour leader Neil Kinnock.
14. From 1987 to 1992, she was Labour Spokesperson for Health, campaigning against long waiting lists and Tory cuts in health spending.
15. To prevent Labour having all-male shadow cabinets, Harman campaigned for places to be reserved for women. In 1989, three places for women were added to the shadow cabinet.
16. Under John Smith, Harman served as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 1992 to 1994. She led Labour’s campaign against the Tory decision to put 17.5% VAT on gas and electricity.

Contributions to Labour Policies

Harman played a crucial role in shaping key Labour policies that had a lasting impact on the UK.

17. In 1994-5, while as Shadow Employment Secretary of State, Harman formulated the policy for the National Minimum Wage and devised Labour’s commitment to establish a Low Pay Commission.
18. The Labour Government passed the National Minimum Wage Act in 1998, setting up the Low Pay Commission as a result of Harman’s policy work.

Government Roles

Harman's contributions extended beyond the shadow cabinet as she took on significant roles within the government.

19. Between 1995 and the 1997 General Election, Harman served first as Shadow Secretary of State for Health (1995-6) and then as Shadow Secretary of State for Social Security (1996-7).
20. When Labour entered government in 1997, Harman was appointed Secretary of State for Social Security and Minister for Women.
21. She introduced the Minimum Income Guarantee, increasing income for the poorest pensioners by 12% to £75 per week, and introduced the £200 winter fuel payment.
22. Harman also introduced the New Deal for Lone Parents to help lone mothers who wanted to get off benefit into work.

Breaking Barriers

Harman broke barriers and set new precedents in various roles throughout her career.

23. Following the 2001 general election, Harman was appointed Solicitor General for England and Wales, becoming the first female Solicitor General.
24. In 2005, she became Minister of State for Constitutional Affairs, with responsibilities including constitutional reform, legal aid, and court processes.
25. In 2007, Harman was elected as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and appointed as Chair of the Labour Party.
26. She also served in the Government as Leader of the House of Commons, Secretary of State for Equalities, and Minister for Women.
27. Under Gordon Brown, Harman joined his Cabinet as Leader of the House of Commons, Lord Privy Seal, and Minister for Women and Equality.
28. She became the first female Labour Minister to take Prime Minister’s Questions when she stood in for Gordon Brown on April 2, 2008.

Leadership and Advocacy

Harman's leadership and advocacy for women's rights have been a constant throughout her career.

29. Following Gordon Brown’s resignation as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party in May 2010, Harman automatically became the temporary leader of the party and Leader of the Opposition.
30. Throughout her career, Harman has been a leading feminist, campaigning tirelessly for women’s rights and representation in Parliament. She believes that women must lead the drive for maternity rights and economic equality for women.

Harriet Harman's Lasting Impact

Harriet Harman's career is a testament to her dedication to public service and women's rights. From her early days as a solicitor to her influential roles in Parliament, she's been a trailblazer. Harman's work on the National Minimum Wage and her advocacy for women in politics have left a lasting mark. Her efforts to increase female representation in the Labour Party and her feminist advocacy resonate globally. Even controversies, like the Paedophile Information Exchange affiliation, didn't overshadow her contributions. Harman's legacy as a "political survivor" and "fierce Labour loyalist" is undeniable. As she steps away from Parliament, her influence will continue to inspire future generations. Harriet Harman's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to equality. Her impact on British politics and women's rights will be remembered for years to come.