To commemorate the College’s bicentenary in 2023, we’re showcasing 200 ‘Birkbeck Effects’ which capture the incredible stories of our vibrant and diverse community, highlighting their achievements and impact on the world. 

Lena May Chivers, (later known as the Labour peer, Baroness Jeger) was a journalist and politician, well known for her role in the right to equal pay and other advocacy work.

Lena was a fervent socialist, feminist, and supporter of the Greek Cypriot community in the UK after Harold Macmillan’s government refused Cyprus’ right to self-determination. She was also a strong supporter of the NHS and a champion for women’s rights. From 1979 to 1980, she was chairperson of the Labour party and was the first peer to take the chair at the Labour party conference, at Blackpool, in 1980.

Lena completed a degree in English and French at Birkbeck and served as President of the Students’ Union.