Annie Elizabeth Helme

Annie Elizabeth Helme (1874-1963)[1] was the first women mayor of the City of Lancaster in the United Kingdom, in 1932. She was a widow and JP and took her daughter as her mayoress. She insisted on being called Mr Mayor.[2]

Early life

She was born Annie Elizabeth Smith in Bradford on 18 February 1874 into a Liberal family, her father was Isaac Smith, who was Mayor of Bradford in 1883 and 1885.[3] She married Walter C Helme, a phycisian, and had a house in Queens Square; her brother-in-law was Norval Helme (Lancaster MP). [1]

Suffragist activity

In 1911 Annie was a key player in setting up the Lancaster Suffrage Society, becoming the joint secretary, they invited Miss Corbett a London suffragette to speak at their monthly meeting. With the war, her attention expanded to include war relief work. She was a committee person and served on the Board of Guardians and was appointed as Secretary of a Central Committee of Ladies. She became a member of the Education Committee. [1]

Education and council service

She was the first woman to be elected onto Lancaster Borough Council in 1919, winning Castle Ward against a discharged military man. She was already well known. She was the first women to become an alderman, and then in 1932, Lancaster first women mayor. [1]

See also

List of suffragists

References
  1. Workman, Christine. "Documenting Dissent | Anne Elizabeth Helme: A Pioneer of Equality for Women". www.documentingdissent.org.uk. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  2. "Former Mayors of the City of Lancaster". Lancaster City Council. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  3. "£14.70 painting could fetch £1 million". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
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