British Library acquires archive of SDP co-founder Shirley Williams
Exclusive: Papers, notebooks, letters, speeches and photos from 60-year career in public life donated by daughter
May 2022
My mother Shirley Williams must be turning in her grave at this government
Letters: Rebecca Williams contrasts the late politician’s lockdown funeral with the rule-breaking that went on in Downing Street
December 2021
The Observer's obituaries of 2021
Shirley Williams remembered by David Owen
A fellow member of the ‘gang of four’ that founded the SDP pays fond tribute to the Liberal Democrat peer’s empathy, campaigning ability and zest for life
July 2021
Making history as the first female chair of Oxford University Labour Club
Letter: Sandra Margolies on the significance of Betty Tate’s presence at the university club
April 2021
An electoral fix alone won’t save Britain’s progressives. Agreeing principles might
Martin Kettle
Letters: Shirley Williams obituary
Shirley Williams was an inspiration to all liberals
Lady Williams of Crosby obituary
Shirley Williams: a politician with a golden voice and deep sincerity
Shirley Williams, Lib Dem peer and SDP founder, dies aged 90
March 2021
From the Guardian archive
SDP launches itself onto the British political stage – archive, 1981
27 March 1981: The new party’s programme includes a demand for electoral reform and a commitment to ‘breaking the mould’
August 2020
Don’t forget so many brilliant women
Letters: An article by Caitlin Moran fails to acknowledge the female writers, politicians and musicians who were involved in groundbreaking work, says Dr Kim Thomas
June 2020
From the Guardian archive
SDP leaders meet to bury a dream – archive, 1990
4 June 1990: Dr David Owen, one of its founders, argued it was not the party’s finances which meant the SDP must die, but the rapid decline in membership
July 2019
The Guardian view on the Lib Dem leadership contest: it’s not just about Brexit
Editorial: Ed Davey and Jo Swinson are fighting a more polite leadership contest than the Conservatives. But they need to talk about vision too
February 2018
Radio 4's Today programme broadcasts all-female edition
BBC news show also presents from Westminster Hall to mark centenary of 1918 suffrage act
March 2017
Limehouse review – the gang of four revisited
Murdoch, the Coughing Major and a Kids Company musical: theatre gets real
Limehouse review – timely account of Labour's 1981 split is beautifully acted
First thoughts
Should today’s Labour pick up where the SDP left off? This play makes you wonder
Polly Toynbee
January 2017
A look back
From the Observer archive: this week in 1981
Ronald Reagan becomes 40th president of the United States
