Baroness Hayman: A Legacy of Service
An in-depth exploration of the distinguished career of Helene Hayman, Baroness Hayman, from her early days as an MP to her pivotal role as Lord Speaker, covering her parliamentary service, ministerial roles, and public contributions.
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Profile
The Baroness
Helene Valerie Hayman, Baroness Hayman (née Middleweek), born March 26, 1949, is a distinguished British politician. She holds the significant honourifics of Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) and is a member of the Privy Council (PC). Her career spans pivotal roles in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, culminating in her election as the first Lord Speaker.
Parliamentary Journey
Initially elected as a Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Welwyn and Hatfield in 1974, she was the youngest MP of her parliamentary term. She later became a life peer in 1996. Her tenure as Lord Speaker from 2006 to 2011 marked a significant reform in the House of Lords' governance, establishing a distinct, impartial presiding officer role.
Public Service Beyond Parliament
Beyond her direct political roles, Baroness Hayman has made substantial contributions to public service, particularly in health-related fields. She has served on numerous ethics committees and governing bodies within the National Health Service (NHS) and health charities, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to public welfare and governance.
Early Life & Education
Academic Foundations
Born Helene Valerie Middleweek on March 26, 1949, she received her early education at Wolverhampton Girls' High School. She pursued higher education at Newnham College, Cambridge, where she read law and achieved a significant milestone by serving as President of the Cambridge Union Society in 1969. This early leadership experience foreshadowed her future public service career.
Early Career Engagements
Prior to her parliamentary career, Baroness Hayman was actively involved in social and public service organizations. From 1969 to 1971, she worked for Shelter, a prominent housing and homelessness charity. Subsequently, she contributed to the Social Services Department of the London Borough of Camden from 1971 to 1974. In the latter year, she was appointed Deputy Director of the National Council for One-Parent Families, highlighting her early commitment to social welfare issues.
Personal Life
Family Connections
Helene Valerie Hayman married Martin Heathcote Hayman in 1974. Together, they have raised four sons. This personal foundation has undoubtedly provided a backdrop to her extensive public and political career.
Parliamentary Career: MP
Entry to the Commons
Baroness Hayman first contested the Wolverhampton South West constituency in February 1974. She was successfully elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Welwyn and Hatfield in the October 1974 general election. At 25 years old, her election made her the youngest member of the House of Commons at that time, earning her the distinction of "Baby of the House." She held this distinction until Andrew MacKay's by-election victory in 1977.
Pioneering Motherhood in Parliament
A notable aspect of her early parliamentary tenure was her status as the first woman to breastfeed her child within the precincts of Westminster. This act represented a significant, albeit symbolic, step towards greater inclusivity and recognition of the challenges faced by women in public life.
Departure from the Commons
She represented the marginal constituency of Welwyn and Hatfield until the 1979 general election, when she lost her seat to the Conservative candidate, Christopher Murphy.
Ministerial Roles
Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions
Following the Labour Party's victory in the 1997 general election, Baroness Hayman was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Roads. This role placed her within the newly formed Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR), where she contributed to policy development in crucial infrastructure and environmental sectors.
Department of Health
Her responsibilities expanded when she also served as a junior minister within the Department of Health. This dual role underscored her versatility and engagement with key public service portfolios during the early years of the Labour government.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
In July 1999, Baroness Hayman was appointed Minister of State at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF). This senior position involved significant responsibilities in managing policies related to the UK's agricultural sector, food production, and environmental stewardship.
Privy Council and Life Peerage
In recognition of her service, she was made a life peer on January 2, 1996, taking the title Baroness Hayman of Dartmouth Park. Further honour came in 2001 when she became a member of the Privy Council, a significant mark of distinction in British public life. She left political office in 2001 to chair Cancer Research UK.
Lord Speaker
Inaugural Election
In May 2006, following reforms that separated the role from the Lord Chancellor, Baroness Hayman stood for the newly created position of Lord Speaker. She emerged victorious in the election held on July 4, 2006, becoming the first individual to hold this distinct office in the House of Lords. This marked a significant step in modernizing the parliamentary structure.
Role and Impartiality
As Lord Speaker, Baroness Hayman was tasked with presiding impartially over debates in the House of Lords, much like the Speaker in the House of Commons. This role required her to resign party membership and any outside interests to ensure neutrality. Her tenure was characterized by a commitment to upholding the dignity and procedural integrity of the chamber.
Tenure and Succession
She served her term as Lord Speaker from July 4, 2006, to August 31, 2011. On May 9, 2011, she announced her decision not to seek re-election for a second term. Her successor was Baroness D'Souza, who continued the work of the office.
Further Contributions
Health Sector Leadership
Post-parliamentary service, Baroness Hayman continued her dedication to public service, particularly in health. She chaired Cancer Research UK from 2001 to 2005 and subsequently led the Human Tissue Authority from 2005. Her involvement extended to serving on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the ethics committees of prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Gynaecologists and University College London.
Trustee and Committee Work
Her commitment to broader public good included serving as a Trustee for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2002–2006) and the Tropical Health and Education Trust (2005–2006). She also contributed to significant parliamentary committees, including the Lords Select Committee on the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill and the Lords Constitution Committee.
Honours and Awards
Formal Recognitions
Baroness Hayman's extensive service has been recognized through several high honours:
- Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE): Awarded in the 2012 New Year Honours for her services to the House of Lords.
- Privy Counsellor (PC): Appointed in 2001, signifying her senior standing in public life.
- Honorary Fellow: Bestowed by Newnham College, Cambridge, acknowledging her academic and professional achievements.
- Key of the City of Tirana: Received on September 21, 2010, during a visit to Albania, recognizing her international engagement.
Parliamentary Context
Baby of the House
Lord Speaker Role
Lord Speaker Election 2006
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References
References
- Video distributed by the Hoover Institute, January 27th, 2017.
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Important Notice
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