Dame Annette Brooke: A Legacy of Public Service and Social Justice in British Politics
Pioneering Liberal Democrat MP’s Passing Marks End of an Era
Dame Annette Lesley Brooke, the distinguished British Liberal Democrat politician, passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 78. Her death marks the conclusion of a remarkable career that helped shape modern British politics.
A Legacy of Firsts and Achievements
Brooke served as the Member of Parliament for Mid Dorset and North Poole from 2001 to 2015, making history as the first female MP elected in a general election in Dorset. At the time of her departure from office, she had established herself as the longest-serving female MP in Liberal Democrat history.
According to current MP Vikki Slade, Brooke was “a champion for social justice, inequality and the most incredible constituency MP.” She left an indelible mark on local politics, inspiring many to enter public service, with constituents still remembering her dedicated personal assistance.
Commitment to Global Development and Social Causes
As a former economics teacher, Brooke was particularly passionate about empowering women in developing nations through micro-businesses. In 2002, she established an all-party group on microfinance and microcredit, later collaborating with actress Natalie Portman to support the microfinance charity Finca International in their mission to help the world’s poorest achieve self-sufficiency.
Among her notable achievements was her successful campaign for equal access for disabled children, which resulted in the simultaneous release of the final Harry Potter book in Braille alongside its print version.
Final Years and Lasting Impact
After retiring from Westminster politics, Brooke maintained an active presence in Dorset political life alongside her husband Mike, a Poole councillor, while supporting Dementia charities. In 2022, she demonstrated her ongoing commitment to humanitarian causes by hosting a Ukrainian refugee family and advocating for changes to rules regarding their use of vehicles in Britain.
Dame Annette Brooke, who was appointed DBE in 2015, is survived by her husband and their two daughters.
