– Renowned British-Indian peer
– Former Windsor and Maidenhead mayor.
Renowned British-Indian Peer and Former Royal Borough Mayor Dies at 89
The British-Indian community is mourning the loss of Baroness Shreela Flather, a former mayor and champion for their cause. The esteemed public figure, aged 89, passed away on Tuesday, just one week before her 90th birthday. Her death was attributed to complications related to her age, according to her family.
Shreela Flather’s family expressed their pride in her many achievements and the groundbreaking role she played as a campaigning public figure of South Asian origin. Her son, Paul, described her as a vibrant and outspoken individual who fearlessly spoke truth to power, even at times when it was unconventional to do so. He highlighted her efforts in breaking through the glass ceilings faced by women of color in the 1960s and 70s, promoting inclusivity in an emerging multicultural Britain.
A Life of Service and Activism
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Shreela’s family fled to Delhi, India, following the partition in 1947. She later moved to the UK to study law at University College London in 1952. Settling in Maidenhead with her late husband, Gary Flather, Shreela became a community activist in the 1960s. She discovered that many Asian women in the borough struggled with English language skills and were confined to their homes. In response, she initiated a weekly language program called ‘Stepping Stones’ to empower these women and help them learn English. Her dedication to women’s rights led to her appointment as a Justice of the Peace in the magistrates court.
Shreela served as a borough councillor for 15 years and achieved numerous groundbreaking milestones. She became the first Asian woman Justice of the Peace, the first Asian woman councillor and mayor of the Royal Borough of Maidenhead and Windsor, and the first Asian woman to receive a peerage. As mayor, she even took a girls’ school to court for uniform rules that discriminated against Asian pupils.
Shreela’s contributions extended beyond the local community. She was instrumental in creating the Memorial Gates at Hyde Park Corner, the first public memorial honoring the five million non-white Asian, African, and Caribbean men and women who fought for Britain in the two World Wars. Her aim was to highlight the significant contributions made by ethnic minority communities to British society.
A Passionate Advocate and Trailblazer
Shreela Flather’s legacy as a trailblazer continued in the House of Lords, where she wore her colorful sarees and earned the respect and admiration of her peers and support staff. She fearlessly raised controversial issues, such as cousin marriages, Sharia law, casteism, halal meat production, and arranged marriages that linked the UK to India.
Beyond her political career, Shreela held senior positions in organizations involved in refugee support, community development, policing, race relations, and prison work. She also made an impact in commercial organizations such as Meridian Broadcasting, Kiss FM, and Magic FM. Her causes included women’s rights, immigration, assisted dying, and she advocated for COVID-19 vaccination among black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities during the pandemic.
Remembering Shreela Flather
Shreela is survived by her sons, Paul and Marcus, as well as her four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The news of her passing saddened many, including Conservative MP for Maidenhead, Theresa May, who acknowledged Shreela’s trailblazing contributions locally and nationally. The current mayor of the Royal Borough, Neil Knowles, also expressed his condolences, describing Shreela as a true trailblazer and dedicated public servant.
Baroness Shreela Flather’s legacy will continue to inspire individuals across Berkshire and beyond. Her passion for women’s empowerment, equality, and social justice left an indelible mark on the community she served.
.
1. Renowned British-Indian peer
2. Former Windsor and Maidenhead mayor.
