JEFF PRESTRIDGE: Pussy Galore – a fighter for Equitable justice

No one of a certain age can think of Honor Blackman without flashbacks to her role as seductive Pussy Galore in 1964 James Bond film classic Goldfinger. 

But my recollections of this remarkable individual, who has died at the grand old age of 94, go beyond those memorable words she purred to 007: ‘My name is Pussy Galore.’ (Sean Connery’s mesmerised response was: ‘I must be dreaming.’)

No, whenever I think of Blackman in the years to come, I will remember someone who in her 80s campaigned passionately for financial justice to be given to investors who lost money following the near collapse of insurer Equitable Life in 2000.

Rarely a protest meeting in the last 12 years was organised without Blackman to the fore, either waving a banner or speaking about the need for government to deliver adequate compensation. Eloquent, but with fire galore coursing through her veins. Always willing to speak to journalists who believed financial justice was right and proper.

As an Equitable customer, she had skin in the game, selling her collection of paintings to make good the hole blown in her finances as a result of the hit customers were forced to take to ensure the mutual’s survival.

There is no doubt that Blackman’s presence among protesters – marshalled by the Equitable Members’ Action Group of which she was president – played its part in persuading the Government in 2010 to compensate a million customers to the tune of £1.5billion. Yet she kept campaigning, angry that some investors were indiscriminately excluded. 

It is a campaign that continues, supported by a 200-strong all-party parliamentary group. Paul Braithwaite, an EMAG powerhouse, says: ‘She charmed the hell out of MPs she talked to about the need for adequate compensation.’

Pussy Galore, Equitable Galore. A special individual.

To all readers, have an enjoyable Easter Bank Holiday. Stay safe – and be wary of those odious scammers out there.