UK's Social Democratic Party Founder Shirley Williams Dies At 90

The founder of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and former labour minister Shirley Williams has passed away. She was one of the 'gang of four', Centralist Labour figures.

Lady Shirley Williams was a British Liberal Democrat politician who split to form the Social Democratic party. She was one of the 'gang of four' who were credited as Centralist Labour figures. Shirley Williams is also credited as the founder of SDP.

Hailed as the 'Liberal lion and a true trailblazer', Shirley Williams' political careers spans for more than five decades. She was elected to the British House of Commons in the general elections of 1964. Shirley Williams has served as the Minister of Science and Education as well as Home Affairs. Williams was also the president of SDP and supported its merger with Liberals to form a new party called Liberal Democrats.

Apart from her career as a politician, Shirley Williams also served as a Politics professor lecturing at respected institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, Berkeley, Chicago and Princeton.

Ed Davey who is the leader of Liberal Democrats announced the news of Shirley Williams demise. He said, "Shirley has been an inspiration to millions, a Liberal lion and a true trailblazer. I feel privileged to have known her, listened to her and worked with her. Like so many others, I will miss her terribly." Davey mentioned that it was heartbreaking for him and the whole Liberal Democrats family.

Davey further added, "Rest in peace, Shirley. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and your friends."

Layla Moran who was a former leadership candidate and a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament said that Shirley Williams was 'an enormous personal inspiration' to her. Moran also mentioned Williams showing kindness, humour and encouragement to her. Further, Moran said, "Mother of the SDP and the Liberal Democrat party, she was a trailblazing titan of politics. May she rest in peace."

Williams passed away in her sleep in the early morning hours at the age of 90 on the 12th of April, 2021.