Former Olympic swimmer and women's rights campaigner Sharron Davies has officially taken her seat in the House of Lords, becoming a Conservative life peer. The silver medallist, who has been a vocal critic of transgender athletes participating in women's sport, was nominated for the peerage by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
A Ceremonial Introduction in Scarlet Robes
Baroness Davies of Devonport wore the traditional scarlet robes during the short introduction ceremony in the Lords, where she swore allegiance to the King. Her title references an area of Plymouth where she was born and raised, connecting her new parliamentary role to her West Country roots.
Distinguished Supporters at the Swearing-In
The new peer was supported by Paralympic champion and independent crossbencher Baroness Grey-Thompson, alongside Tory peer Lord Young of Acton, who serves as director of the Free Speech Union. This bipartisan support highlights Davies' standing across different political and sporting spheres.
An Illustrious Swimming Career Spanning Decades
Lady Davies' international swimming career spanned three remarkable decades, beginning when she first swam for Britain at just 11 years old. She was selected for the 1976 Montreal Olympics at age 13, demonstrating exceptional talent from a young age. The twice Commonwealth champion retired in 1994 after breaking more than 200 British records in the pool.
Post-Swimming Career and Advocacy Work
Following her retirement from competitive swimming, Davies enjoyed a successful television career and currently serves as director of the Women's Sports Union, an organisation dedicated to championing fair and safe sport for women and girls. She also holds the position of patron for Disabled Sport England and SportsAid, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to sporting accessibility and development.
Another New Peer Joins the Upper Chamber
Also taking her place in the House of Lords was former MEP for the West Midlands Neena Gill. Dressed in the traditional scarlet robes, Baroness Gill was supported by fellow Labour peers Baroness Smith of Basildon and Lord Kennedy of Southwark as she swore the oath of allegiance to the monarch.
The addition of these two new peers brings fresh perspectives to the upper chamber, with Davies particularly expected to contribute to debates around women's sports policy and equality issues based on her extensive campaigning background.
