'Influential' Mowlam honoured with blue plaque

Mo Molam, the Northern Ireland secretary who played a key role overseeing negotiations that led to the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement, has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former college.

The tribute to the Labour politician, who died in 2005, was unveiled at Durham University's Trevelyan College where she studied between 1968 and 1971.

The university described her as "one of the most influential figures in modern British politics", saying the plaque celebrated both her time at Durham "and her remarkable contribution to peace and public service".

After graduating, Mowlam went on to be elected as the MP for Redcar, on Teesside, in 1987 and represented the constituency until 2001.

The Good Friday agreement brought an end to 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles.

During her time at university, Mowlam studied anthropology and sociology, and had been secretary of the Durham Union Society in 1969 as well as later serving as vice-president of Durham Students' Union.

The plaque was installed following a nomination from the Women's Banner Group, which celebrates women's roles in trade unions, politics and communities, in collaboration with the City of Durham Parish Council and the university.

Professor Karen O'Brien, vice-chancellor and warden of the university, said Mowlam's "lifelong commitment to public service remains an everlasting source of inspiration".

She added: "Mo exemplified the very best of what higher education seeks to nurture - intellectual curiosity, integrity and a profound dedication to making a difference in the world.

"It is especially fitting that it should be installed at the college where Mo studied as a student and discovered her passion for politics."

The commemorative plaque has been installed near the reception at Trevelyan College where Mowlam lived as a student.

Her sister, Jean Jacques, was at the unveiling and said "Durham held a very special place in Mo's heart".

She added she was "incredibly proud of all that my sister achieved and of the lasting impact she continues to have on so many people".

In 1999, Mowlam was awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law by the university.

She died in 2005 after a fall at home and had previously been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

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