A CITY is commemorating two of its trail blazing politicians passing a motion in their honour.

Sunderland City Council has decided to honour its first female councillor, Ellen Bell and the city’s first female MP Marion Phillips, after a Liberal democrat motion to commemorate Bell’s life was passed unanimously.

Liberal Democrat and Sandhill Councillor, Lynn Appleby said: “I am delighted that our motion to commemorate women’s contributions to public life in our city was passed unanimously.

“Sunderland has always played a key role in the battle for political rights in this country, and it is only fair that we recognise local contributions to this campaign."

Ellen Bell was elected, to represent Hendon on the then borough council, following a by-election in October 1919, just a year after women were granted the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

The motion also honours MP Marion Phillips, she was a passionate campaigner for reforms to education, healthcare and workers’ rights.