Porter, Shirley (1930– )

British Conservative politician. She was leader of Westminster City Council in 1983, and lord mayor 1991–92. Her policies were controversial and included the rehousing of poor people outside Westminster and the selling of council houses, which led to a public inquiry over accusations of gerrymandering before the 1990 election. Her appeal against the district auditor's findings in the inquiry was turned down by the High Court in 1997, but has gone to further appeal.

Porter was born in London, the daughter of Jack Cohen (1898– ), the founder of the Tesco supermarket chain. She was elected to Westminster City Council as a Conservative in 1974.