Taylor, Ann (1947– )

British Labour politician, born in Motherwell, Scotland; president of the council and leader of the House of Commons 1997–98, and chief whip 1998–2001. She was elected MP for Bolton West in 1974 and then for Dewsbury. She served as a whip 1977–79 in the government of James Callaghan and, in opposition, as spokesperson on education 1979–81, housing 1981–83, the Home Office 1987–88, and the environment 1988–92. She was shadow secretary of state for education 1992–94, spokesperson on the Citizen's Charter 1994–96, and shadow Leader of the House 1996–97. She was the first woman to hold the post of government chief whip.

She was a member of the Standards in Public Life Select Committee in 1995 and the Standards and Privileges Committee 1995–97.