Sally Oppenheim-Barnes, a prominent figure in Gloucester politics, has died at 96, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.
Gloucester: It’s a sad day for the community as former MP Sally Oppenheim-Barnes has passed away at 96. She was a remarkable figure, serving as the city’s MP from 1970 to 1987 without ever losing an election. By the time she stepped down, she had a whopping majority of over 12,000 votes.
Back in 1970, she made headlines by defeating Labour’s Jack Diamond, who was a big deal as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He was the only Cabinet Minister to lose his seat that year, which was quite a shocker.
Sally was also part of Mrs. Thatcher’s Shadow Cabinet, where she took on the role of Shadow Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection. She famously carried a shopping basket around to highlight the effects of inflation, which was pretty clever.
When Thatcher became Prime Minister, Sally was appointed Minister of State for Consumer Affairs. She wasn’t shy about her views, especially when it came to metrification and fuel price displays at petrol stations.
Her family was also involved in politics; her son Phillip became an MP in 1983, making them the only mother-son duo in the House of Commons. Sally had two marriages, first to businessman Henry Oppenheim, who passed away in 1980, and then to John Barnes in 1984.
Even in her later years, Sally remained passionate about Europe. In 2018, she expressed her sadness about the UK leaving the EU, showing her commitment to the cause.
She was a big rugby fan too! Back in 1972, she celebrated Gloucester Rugby Club’s win at the House of Commons, and her presence at games was seen as a lucky charm for the team.
After leaving the Commons in 1987, she was elevated to the House of Lords, where she continued to contribute until her retirement in 2018. She had moved to London in the early 2000s but always held a special place in her heart for Gloucester.
Sally also held important roles, like Chairman of the National Consumer Council, and was a non-Executive Director at The Boots Company plc. She’s remembered fondly in Gloucester, with a plaque at the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
She was involved in various organizations, including the National Union of Townswomen’s Guilds and the National Waterways Museums Trust. Sally is survived by her second husband and her children from her first marriage.
Born on July 26, 1928, Sally Oppenheim-Barnes passed away on January 1, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of public service.
