Denton, Jean (1935–2001)
Denton, Jean (1935–2001)
English politician and race-car driver. Name variations: Jean, Baroness of Wakefield; Baroness Denton of Wakefield. Born Jean Moss, Dec 29, 1935, in Yorkshire, England; died Feb 5, 2001; m. Tony Denton, 1958 (div. 1974).
An avid race-car driver, joined the British Women Racing Driver's Club (1963), was runner-up in the Goodwin Trophy (1967) and won the Embassy Trophy (1966 and 1967); turned professional (1969); joined the Huxford Garage Group as marketing director (1972), moved to Heron Motor Group (1978), and was the 1st woman on the national executive committee of the Institute of Management; became managing director of Herondrive, then external affairs director of Austin Rover Group (1985), making her the most senior woman in the British Motor Industry; served as parliamentary under-secretary of state of Trade and Industries for Consumers' Affairs (1992–93); served as parliamentary under-secretary of state of Northern Ireland responsible to the Depts. of Health and Social Service (1993–95), and the Depts. of Agriculture and Economy as well as spokesperson on all Northern Ireland matters in the House of Lords (1995–97). Named Commander of the British Empire (CBE, 1990); made a life peer as Baroness Denton of Wakefield (1991).