Janet Evelyn Fookes, Baroness Fookes, DBE, DL (21 February 1936 – 25 August 2022) was a British Conservative Party politician. She served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for 27 years, representing Merton and Morden from 1970 to 1974, and Plymouth Drake from 1974 to 1997. After leaving the House of Commons, she was elevated to the peerage as a life peer and continued her parliamentary service in the House of Lords.
Early Life and Education Born in Hastings, Sussex, Janet Fookes was educated at Hastings High School for Girls. She went on to study history at Royal Holloway College, University of London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958. Before entering national politics, Fookes worked as a schoolteacher from 1958 to 1970.
Local Government Career Fookes began her political career in local government, serving as a Councillor on Hastings County Borough Council from 1960 to 1970. During her time on the council, she gained experience in local administration and public service, which laid the groundwork for her future parliamentary career.
House of Commons Janet Fookes was first elected to the House of Commons at the 1970 general election, representing the constituency of Merton and Morden. After boundary changes, she successfully contested the Plymouth Drake constituency in the February 1974 general election, which she held until her retirement from the House of Commons in 1997.
During her time as an MP, Fookes was known for her independent spirit and her dedication to various causes. She served on numerous select committees, including the Speaker's Panel of Chairmen, and was a prominent advocate for animal welfare. She notably chaired the council of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) from 1992 to 1997.
In 1992, Fookes was appointed a Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, a role she held until 1997. As Deputy Speaker, she presided over debates in the chamber and maintained order, earning respect across party lines for her fairness and impartiality. She was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 1989 New Year Honours for her public and political service.
House of Lords After stepping down from the House of Commons at the 1997 general election, Janet Fookes was created a life peer as Baroness Fookes, of Plymouth in the County of Devon, on 15 October 1997. She took her seat in the House of Lords, where she continued her parliamentary work.
In the House of Lords, Baroness Fookes served as a Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords from 2000 to 2010. She remained an active member of the House, contributing to debates on a wide range of issues, particularly those related to animal welfare, education, and social policy. She retired from the House of Lords on 11 July 2019.
Other Roles and Interests Beyond her parliamentary duties, Baroness Fookes maintained a strong commitment to public service. She served as a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for East Sussex from 1992, an honorary civic role. Her lifelong passion for animal welfare saw her serve on the RSPCA Council for many years, including as its Chairman.
Personal Life Janet Fookes remained unmarried. She died on 25 August 2022, at the age of 86.