William Eichler 06 May 2026

Former council leader Dame Shirley Porter dies aged 95

Former council leader Dame Shirley Porter dies aged 95 image
Former leader of Westminster City Council Dame Shirley Porter © David Fowler / Shutterstock.com.

Former leader of Westminster City Council Dame Shirley Porter has died at the age of 95.

A follower of Margaret Thatcher, Porter was the council’s leader from 1983 to 91 and to some was known as ‘the Iron Lady of the town halls’.

She is remembered in particular for the ‘homes for votes’ scandal where a 15-year investigation found she had sold council houses in order to shore up the Conservative vote in the area.

In 2004, she was ordered to pay the council £12.3m.

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
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