Jacquetta Marshall (1878-
The first female Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Mrs Jacquetta Marshall was appointed Alderman in 1950, and served as Lord Mayor 1950-1951. In her youth, she had been a suffragist, and a member of the NUWSS. A lifelong Labour and Co-operative supporter, she had joined the Women’s Co-operative Guild for training in public speaking, and with the opening up of opportunities for women to participate in political life. Having moved to Plymouth around 1905, with her husband, noted for his union work with the GMW, she became active in local politics. Post-war she first became a member of the Board of Guardians in 1922, and served on the Board until elected a Councillor in 1925, as Labour Councillor for the Sutton Ward, becoming the first woman Alderman in 1927. She worked indefatigably for the causes which interested her, predominantly those associated with health and welfare. She was, for instance, on the local Management Committee of the South-West Regional Hospital Board, as well as Chairman of the Moorhaven Hospital Management Committee, and Chair of Plymouth Council’s Health Committee. But above all, it was the promotion of women’s interests which she supported consistently, including during her mayoral term and after. Indeed, she saw her election as an honour for all Plymouth women. After her unanimous election was announced, she confirmed that she would use the term Lord Mayor, would not have a Lady Mayoress but only a Deputy Lord Mayor. She also firmly stated that she would wear the same form of robes as her male predecessors, as well as the tricorne hat and chain on formal occasions.