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Today in History: Margaret Bondfield becomes first female UK Cabinet minister

6/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 8 June 1929, Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald appointed trade-union leader Margaret Bondfield as Minister of Labour, making her the United Kingdom’s first female cabinet minister and the first woman to sit in the Privy Council. Her appointment marked a historic breakthrough for women in British politics and labour representation.

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Story summary

On 8 June 1929, Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald appointed trade-union leader Margaret Bondfield as Minister of Labour, making her the United Kingdom’s first female cabinet minister and the first woman to sit in the Privy Council. Her appointment marked a historic breakthrough for women in British politics and labour representation.