Barbara Bodichon Ayrton-Gould was a Labour politician and suffragist in the United Kingdom.
Background
She was born in Kensington, London, the daughter of prominent electrical engineers and inventors Hertha Marks Ayrton and William Edward Ayrton. She was educated at Notting Hill High School, and studied chemistry and physiology at University College, London. She married the writer Gerald Gould (1885–1936).
The artist Michael Ayrton (1921–1975) was their son.
Until 1930, Gould worked as publicity manager of the Daily Herald.
Education
She was educated at Notting Hill High School, and studied chemistry and physiology at University College, London.
Career
She wrote the pro-suffrage pamphlet The Democratic Plea for the Men"s Political Union for Women"s Enfranchisement. She participated in smashing store windows in the West End of London in March of 1912 for suffrage, after which she served time in prison. In 1913, she went to France, disguised as a schoolgirl, so she would not be arrested again.
She left the Women"s Social and Political Union in 1914 due to frustration with the autocratic tendencies of their leaders, as well as Christabel Pankhurst"s continuing absence.
The United Suffragists ended their campaign when 1918"s Representation of the People Acting gave women limited suffrage in the United Kingdom. As from 1922, she made four unsuccessful attempts to get elected as Member of Parliament. During the general election of 1929 she missed victory in Northwich by only four votes.
Thus, she succeeded in introducing a resolution which called for a government enquiry into child neglect. Gould held the seat until losing the next general election (in 1950), when it was gained by Ian Orr-Ewing (Con).
She withdrew as prospective candidate for the constituency in September because of ill health.
A month later Gould died, eight months after leaving the House of Commons.
Membership
38th United Kingdom Parliament]
She became a member of the Women"s Social and Political Union in 1906 and was a full-time organizer for them by 1909. Barbara Ayrton-Gould became a member of the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party in 1929, and served as vice-Chair in 1938 and Chair of the Labour Party from 1939 to 1940. The fifth time, Gould was elected Member of Parliament for newly created Hendon North constituency in Labour"s landslide victory of 1945.