The world of British politics is in mourning following the passing of Dame Annette Brooke, the respected and tenacious former Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole. She has been widely celebrated as a dedicated constituency MP and a formidable, cross-party campaigner who tirelessly championed the rights and welfare of children and young people.
Elected in the 2001 general election, Brooke carved out a significant 14-year career in Westminster, becoming a well-known and effective backbencher. Her political journey was characterised by a pragmatic and collaborative approach, often working across party lines to advance the causes she held most dear.
A Fearless Advocate for the Vulnerable
Brooke’s parliamentary legacy is deeply intertwined with her advocacy for society’s most vulnerable. She served with distinction as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for children, young people, and families, a role she was born to play. Her work was not about party politics; it was driven by a profound moral conviction to make a tangible difference.
She was a pivotal figure in the successful campaign to ban adults from using the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ against charges of assaulting a child. This landmark change in the law was a testament to her perseverance and unwavering belief in protecting children from harm. Furthermore, she was a passionate voice for better support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and for the millions affected by domestic violence.
The Path to Westminster
Annette Brooke’s path to politics was unconventional. Before entering the Commons, she was a lecturer in economics and business studies, bringing an academic’s analytical rigour to her political work. Her initial foray into elected office was at a local level, serving as a councillor in the London Borough of Sutton, which honed her understanding of grassroots issues.
Her determination was evident in her electoral battles for the Mid Dorset and North Poole seat, which she won on her second attempt in 2001. She subsequently defended it in three consecutive general elections, a significant achievement for a Liberal Democrat in a traditionally Conservative-voting area, underscoring her deep personal connection with her constituents.
A Legacy of Decency and Principle
Colleagues from across the political spectrum have paid tribute, remembering her not just for her political achievements, but for her fundamental decency, principled stance, and kind nature. Despite the often adversarial nature of politics, Brooke maintained respect and friendship with political opponents, focusing always on the issue at hand rather than partisan point-scoring.
Upon her retirement from Parliament in 2015, her contributions were formally recognised with a damehood in the 2016 New Year Honours list, a fitting accolade for a lifetime of public service. Dame Annette Brooke is survived by her husband, Jim, their three children, and grandchildren, to whom she was utterly devoted. She is remembered as a trailblazer, a compassionate campaigner, and one of the most respected parliamentarians of her era.
