Long-serving Kirklees councillor Kath Pinnock has sworn an oath of allegiance to the Queen and taken her seat in the House of Lords.
The former Liberal Democrat council leader has taken the title Baroness Pinnock of Cleckheaton and was introduced to the House on Monday.
Amid the traditional pomp and circumstance, Baroness Pinnock was introduced in a ceremony alongside another new peer, Baron Lennie of Longsands.
Baroness Pinnock, wearing a faux fur ermine robe, handed over a writ of summons and was led into the chamber by Black Rod, a ceremonial official who plays a key role in the State Opening of Parliament. Also present was the Garter Principal King of Arms.
The Baroness swore her allegiance and was invited to take her seat by Baron Shutt of Greetland and Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville, Somerset.
“It was a very serious and traditional ceremony and all over in about two minutes,” said Baroness Pinnock. “It’s an honour and a privilege. Now my next task is to find my way around the four miles of corridors!”
The Baroness, who represents Cleckheaton and has been a councillor for 27 years, will continue her role in Kirklees.
“I am told the House sits for 36 weeks a year and sits on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2.30pm,” she said.
“I will travel down by train on Monday morning and return on Tuesday evening. I will in Cleckheaton for four or five days, if not the whole week at times.”
Baroness Pinnock, recommended for a peerage by Lib Dem leader and deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, said it was perfectly possible to combine her two roles.
“It’s a huge privilege to be asked to help shape what goes on in our country and I most certainly won’t be sucked into the Westminster bubble.
“I will still pound the streets of Cleckheaton, and that’s very important to me.”
Former teacher Baroness Pinnock said she intended to make her voice heard on behalf of Yorkshire and added: “I am not known for being shy and retiring.
“There is no point taking on a role like this unless you are going to use it.”
Also introduced to the Lords this week was former EastEnders actor Michael Cashman, best known for TV’s first gay kiss as Albert Square’s Colin Russell. He has become Baron Cashman of Limehouse and was nominated by Labour.
