From the Oldham mills to political revolution: The irrepressible life of Annie Kenney

'In Manchester at the turn of the twentieth century, something magical happened'

Good morning members — today’s story is about Annie Kenney, whose extraordinary rise from working in the mills near Oldham to a leading role in the campaign for women’s suffrage is recounted in a brilliant book by the journalist Helen Lewis.

Many people learn about the Pankhursts at school but not many can name the working class Kenney. Maybe parents who are home-schooling their children this month will read this piece and want to squeeze her into the curriculum.

But first, a mini-briefing to get you up to speed.