Dame Shirley Porter

Dame Shirley Porter, 95, died on May 5, 2026. She was the daughter and heiress of Sir Jack Cohen, the founder of Tesco supermarkets. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1991 by John Major after delivering victory in Westminster for the Conservatives in the 1990 local elections. While leader of Westminster City Council, Porter oversaw the "Building Stable Communities" policy – later described as the "homes for votes scandal" – and was subsequently accused of gerrymandering. The policy was judged illegal by the district auditor, and a surcharge of £27 million was levied on her in 1996. This was later raised to £42 million with interest and costs. This public record remains centered on the documented milestones of Porter's life and work.