Joan Maynard

Who was Joan Maynard?

Vera Joan Maynard known as Joan Maynard was an English trade unionist and Labour politician.

Dubbed "Stalin's Granny" due to her left-wing views, Maynard was a leading activist in the National Union of Agricultural Workers becoming vice-president of the union and being narrowly beaten to its presidency. She joined the Labour Party in 1946 and served as a councillor on North Yorkshire County Council and on the Party's National Executive Committee 1972-82, 1983-87.

Having acted as Labour agent in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, Maynard was elected in 1974 as MP for Sheffield Brightside and held the seat until 1987. Throughout her political career Maynard advocated policies on the left of the Labour Party and chaired the left-wing Campaign Group. She served on the Agriculture Select Committee. Maynard died in Sowerby, North Yorkshire on 27 March 1998, the same day as fellow former MP, Joan Lestor.