Sheila Wright

Shelia Wright was born in Cawnpore, India and raised in India. Her father was an inspector general of police until his death when Sheila was 12 years old. She was subsequently raised by her mother, who also managed a sick animal sanctuary. Initially taught by her nanny and governesses until age 11, she then taught herself politics, philosophy and history.

She left India just after the Second World War in Europe ended and lived in Southampton. She gained a social science certificate from the University of Southampton in 1951 and a sociology degree from the University of London in 1956.

She married and, although her name changed to Gregory, she retained her maiden name in politics.

Wright became a social worker and served as a councillor on Birmingham City Council 1956–79, becoming an honorary alderman. As chair of the Birmingham Education Committee, she oversaw the introduction of the comprehensive education system.

Wright was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Birmingham Handsworth at the 1979 general election. She served until 1983, when boundary changes abolished the seat and she gave up the nomination for the Birmingham Ladywood seat due to family matters.

She continued to perform voluntary work for the Birmingham central health authority and on numerous school governing bodies throughout Birmingham.

Wright died on 5 July 2013, aged 88, after a long illness.[1]

• Times Guide to the House of Commons, 1966 & 1979
• Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs

• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Sheila Wright