EP 052 Baroness Harris of Richmond 'Just Call Me Angela'

The Security Circle

Angela Harris, a distinguished figure in British politics, left an indelible mark on the landscape of public service over several decades. She embarked on her political journey as a member of North Yorkshire County Council, a tenure that spanned from 1981 to 2001. Notably, Angela made history in 1991/92 by becoming the first woman to chair the council, a testament to her trailblazing spirit.
Her commitment to public safety and governance extended to her role as the chair of the North Yorkshire Police Authority from 1994 to 2001. Prior to this, she served as the joint chair (balanced council) and deputy chair of the Association of Police Authorities between 1997 and 2001. Angela's influence also reached national levels, as she contributed her expertise as a former member of the Service Authority National Crime Squad and Police Negotiating Board.
Beyond her contributions to law and order, Angela devoted 16 years of service (1982–1998) as a justice of the peace, showcasing her dedication to judicial matters. Simultaneously, she served as a non-executive Director of an NHS Trust from 1990 to 1997, highlighting her diverse engagement in public institutions.
Recognizing her civic contributions, Angela was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire in 1994, a position she held until 2019. Additionally, she became a member of the Court of the University of York in 1996 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford in 2020.
Angela's involvement with the Liberal Democrats is a testament to her commitment to political representation. She served as a former Party Chief Steward at Federal Conferences and contested the 1999 European Parliament Elections as a party candidate.
Elevating her political career, Angela Harris was granted a Liberal Democrat Life Peerage on August 6, 1999, assuming the title Baroness Harris of Richmond, of Richmond in the County of North Yorkshire. Since entering the House of Lords, she has chaired the European Union Select sub-Committee F and contributed as a member of various committees, including the European Union Select Committee, Offices Committee, and Refreshment Sub-Committee. Notably, Angela held the position of Deputy Speaker from 2008 to 2018 and has served as a Liberal Democrat Whip from 2000 to 2008 and, again, from 2018 to the present. Her extensive experience is evident in her roles as party spokesperson on Northern Ireland and a member of the Home Affairs Team for policing matters. Angela is also actively engaged in the Ecclesiastical Committee and the Procedures and Privileges Committee in the House of Lords, embodying a lifelong commitment to public service and governance.

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