Who is she? British politician. Health spokeswoman in Labour's shadow cabinet.
Why in the news? Under fire for her decision to send Joe, her 11 year old son, to St Olave's school in Kent.
What's the problem? St Olave's is a grant maintained (grammar) school.
So what? John Major prettily remarked
"Yesterday's Labour party said they would abolish grant maintained schools the day after tomorrow. Today's Labour party say they will abolish them once their children have finished their education."
Neat Harriet was unmoved. She apologised during a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour party for giving "succour" to the Tory party and faced down calls for her resignation.
Labour leader Tony Blair gave her his full support. Has a son in a grant maintained school himself.
However Labour left winger Dennis Skinner raised a Tory laugh when he told the House of Commons
"Everybody shouldn't assume that grammar schools are all they're cracked up to be I went to one"
What's she like? Aged 45. A steely left winger with rosy cheeks, a nice figure and big innocent eyes.
Tall. A calm power dresser who has raised three children and maintained a political career.
Daughter of a Harley Street physician, she spent most of her life crusading for female equality and civil liberties.
Lord Longford's niece. She was educated privately and went to York university.
Entered politics as MP for Peckham (1982). Ambitious and relentless, she has a nice line in invective and boasts ferocious concentration.
Last word Goes to Harriet
"People who criticise me should also remember that the school we have chosen is a state school.
"It is not a fee paying school. Our son has not gained entry because of my income or because of my status as an MP" she said.