Lady Nancy Astor's election as a Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton represents a watershed moment in the history of British politics. Following the 1918 Representation of the People Act, which enfranchised women over the age of 30, the 1919 election saw a number of women standing for parliamentary seats. Astor won her constituency with an overwhelming majority, thus becoming the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons. While Countess Constance Markievicz, elected previously, did not take up her role, Astor’s election was a clear step forward for women's representation in legislative politics.

Astor was born into a wealthy family in 1879 and became an American citizen before moving to the UK after her marriage to Waldorf Astor, a prominent member of the British elite. Throughout her political career, she focused on issues such as social reform, health, and education, advocating for women's rights and welfare measures. Her presence in Parliament was pivotal, as she worked tirelessly to demonstrate women's capabilities in governance and public service.

The implications of her election were profound, as she served for over a decade and used her platform to challenge the norms surrounding women's participation in politics and to push for legislative changes benefiting children and families. Astor’s achievements were instrumental in gradually altering the perception of women's roles in public life, thus inspiring future generations of female politicians in the UK.