Shirley Williams has died

[endofthelinefinally]

What a wonderful woman she was. RIP.
Shelagh Fogarty is hosting a discussion on LBC about her life.

A genuine public servant who made a real difference, it's a big loss.

A great woman. What a loss. Thoughts to her family.

A rare thing I think, in that she seemed to be a principled politician.

I am disproportionately sad about her death. She was such a beacon of a different time of hope, optimism and a sound moral and intellectual code. She will be missed.

She was extraordinarily intelligent and well informed. I listened to her talking about the failed IT system for the NHS (many years ago now) and she was very impressive. So passionate about education and women's rights.

Not too many of her ilk left. Proper politicians rather than university bred career politicos!

She will indeed be missed

A great politician. One of my age group's role models.

So sorry to see this.

RIP, you amazing woman.

I wouldn't say that, CuriousaboutSamphire. Williams was bred to politics: she was Vera Brittain's daughter,

I actually thought she’d died a few years ago but I think I might be mixing her up with Barbara castle.

@Foxyloxy1plus1

A rare thing I think, in that she seemed to be a principled politician.

I would have said the same until a few years ago. Her main focus throughout her political career was the attainment of a fairer society. But when the LibDems were in coalition with David Cameron, they enthusiastically supported the welfare bill which removed benefits from many disabled people, already some of the most vulnerable in society. Shirley Williams was the LibDems main cheerleader for this in the Lords.

During the debate about same-sex marriage legislation she came out with old tropes about homosexual relationships not being as stable as heterosexual ones. And she voted against it.

So: a fair society for everybody who is not gay and who does not have disabilities.

Her principles went awry. A pity.

Shirley Williams was the child of two political parents, attended Oxford and started standing as an MP right after she graduated. She's the definition of a career politician. I thought she was fab nevertheless

A very good speaker. Saw her last at the premiere of the film based on her mother (Vera Brittain)'s memoirs. She spoke eloquently, unlike the then London Mayor whose office supported the premiere.

@PerkingFaintly

I wouldn't say that, CuriousaboutSamphire. Williams was bred to politics: she was Vera Brittain's daughter,

That's what I meant! Being bred to it is not the same as going to university to begin it - you only have to look at who becomes a Sab!

Politics because it matters. Not politics because it's a way to get a high profile job.

I was sad about this, she had a great way of explaining liberal ideas I thought.

As for the coalition years, what a tragedy that was for lib Dems.

Oh wow she shaped my view in politics... always thought she was one of the good ones 😢