On 1 December 1919 Nancy Astor became the first woman MP to take her seat in the House of Commons. Hers was the first female voice heard in the chamber as an MP; she was the first woman MP to ask a question, speak in a parliamentary debate and deliver a maiden speech, to sit on a parliamentary committee and to introduce a private members bill that resulted in the enactment of an Act (the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Persons Under Eighteen) Act 1923). She was also instrumental in the passage of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 that granted equal voting rights to women and men at the age of 21. However, her enduring significance was secured the moment she swore the oath.
The full version of this landmark is written by Jacqui Turner