I recently attended the ceremony to commemorate the life and achievements of Martha Hogg the first woman Labour Councillor Wigan and one of the very few throughout the country. In 1920 she was elected for the Lindsey Ward in Wigan and became part of the Labour group which for the first time was the largest party in the council . In those days the composition of the council was Labour 23 members, Conservative 21, Liberals 9 and Independents 2. Martha made her voice heard on subjects including pensions for the blind and ex service men and the plight of mothers she cared fro as a mid wife.
In 1931 she was appointed as a Magistrate to the Wigan Bench on which she served with great distinction until her death.
Martha died in 1934 and her funeral brought Wigan to a standstill.
Truly a remarkable woman.
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