In and Out of Cabinet, 1964–2002

Abstract

In 1964, Barbara Castle was promoted to Minister of Overseas Development. Once again, she was the only woman in the Cabinet. In 1965, she became Minister of Transport where she brought in compulsory seat belts, drink-driving regulations, confirmed a 70-mile speed limit, made lorry driving safer and saved much of the rail and canal system. Her popularity plummeted during her times as Secretary of State for Employment. She redeemed some of her reputation by championing the Equal Pay Act. Her last post was as Secretary of State for Social Services before she was dismissed by Callaghan. This chapter ends with a discussion of her life after Cabinet and assesses her overall contribution to politics.