ABSTRACT
The Socialist Medical Association (SMA) was an organisation associated with the Labour Party and founded in 1930. Baroness Edith played a key role in the formation of the SMA and remained a member. Political movement was the only way that Baroness Edith Clara felt she could make the changes she envisaged to the practice of medicine and public health and thus she pursued a career in politics. Baroness Edith joined the National Executive Committee in 1944 and in 1945. She was also made parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Food. Fearless in voicing her opinions, Baroness Edith commanded both respect and resentment from colleagues. She had several political enemies including Aneurin Bevan whom she criticised for taking credit for the creation of the National Health Service since she felt that those who had worked since the 1930s on a long campaign for a socialist medical service should be acknowledged.
