Ellen Wilkinson was born at 41, Coral Street, Ardwick, Manchester. A tiny, dynamic woman with a mane of red hair and a penchant for wearing green, Ellen obtained a degree in Social Science at Manchester University. She was elected on to Manchester City Council, but rarely attended meetings. When she did show up she caused a furore with her sharp eloquent tongue, making herself slightly unpopular with her colleagues.
Ellen tried teaching for a while but quickly realised it was not her forte. She then became interested in politics, taking a seat in the House of Commons for the constituency of South East Jarrow.
She was interested in the way people were short changed on Hire Purchase agreements, bringing abput considerable reform in that direction. Ellen was also very concerned about the poor quality of housing and urged the Government to build good strong houses at affordable rents. Herbert Morrison made her his private secretary. She was involved in an emergency teacher training scheme for the new Education Act of 1944, implementing the act with more and better trained teachers. Ellen lived with her sister in a small cottage in Buckingham. She relied a great deal on her sister to help with the heavy work-load.
Ellen suffered from Asthma and sometimes became quite ill, her sister was her support and prop during these severe bouts of illness.
She worked very hard during the second World War, going personally down the London Underground, which were used as air-raid shelters during the bonbing of the Capital. Ellen was there giving sympathy and consolation where it was needed.
She died after taking an overdose of medicine to alleviate an asthma attack.
Ellen Wilkinson is best remembered for joining the Jarrow Marches.
The Ellen Wilkinson High School in Ardwick, Manchester is named in her honour.
E.S. Jackson