Liddell, Helen (1950–)

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Liddell, Helen (1950–)

Scottish politician and member of Parliament. Name variations: Rt. Hon. Helen Liddell. Born Helen Lawrie Reilly, Dec 6, 1950, in Monklands; attended Strathclyde University; m. Dr. Alistair Liddell, 1972; children: 1 son, 1 daughter.

Began career as journalist with BBC Scotland (1976–77); served as general secretary, Labour Party in Scotland (1977–88); was director of corporate affairs for Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail (1986–92); representing Labour, elected to House of Commons for Monklands East (1994) and Airdrie and Shotts (1997, 2001); became 1st deputy secretary of state for Scotland (1998), then 1st woman secretary of state for Scotland (2001); left Parliament (2005); also a novelist.