 In January 1970, a decision by Shoreham Urban District Council to block her from appointments as a primary school manager, school governor and library committee membership because she talked too much was overruled.Colquhoun was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Northampton North at the February 1974 general election, and identified with the Tribune Group, and served as the group's treasurer.Arguing in favour of creche facilities for female delegates at the following year's Labour conference, she said in October 1975