TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of a trailblazing MP who attended a North Yorkshire school.
Joan Hall, who has died aged 90, made history by becoming Keighley’s first female MP, representing the town from 1970 until 1974.
A member of the Conservative Party, Joan had been educated at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick.
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The all-girls’ private school made headlines last summer after governors announced its shock closure in July 2025.
As The Press reported, the school had been educating girls for more than 124 years and cited “mounting financial pressures”, including the introduction of VAT on school fees as reasons for the closure.
Following her education, Joan began a political career, rising the ranks of the Conservative Party to become private parliamentary secretary to Anthony Stodart, Minister of State at the Ministry of Agriculture.
She was a staunch supporter of Margaret Thatcher in her battle with Edward Heath for the leadership of the Party.
Ultimately, her time as Keighley’s MP ended when Bob Cryer took the seat for Labour with an 878 majority.
The town’s current Conservative MP, Robbie Moore said he was “very sad” to hear of the passing of Joan Hall.
He added: "In 1970, Joan became Keighley MP – aged 34 – with a majority of just 616 votes.
“She went on to play a huge role in both national politics and Keighley life, becoming known as the 'Yorkshire Valkyrie'.
"Joan officially opened the Keighley and District Model Engineering Society track in 1971, and I was proud last year to take part in a re-enactment of the opening.
“My thoughts are with Joan’s family and friends."
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