Prior to being made a Labour Peer, Baroness Anita Gale of Blaenrhondda worked with the Labour party, first as the Women’s officer for Wales in 1976, and from 1984 as the General Secretary for Wales. She retired from the post in 1999, after being appointed to the House of Lords.

Lady Gale is also vice-chair of the Labour Animal Welfare Society (LAWS).

As well as animal welfare issues, Lady Gale’s interests include women’s and children’s issues, Wales, devolution, anti-smoking and the environment.