South Somerset district councillor Cathy Bakewell is "thrilled" after she was chosen to become a Baroness.
Mrs Bakewell, who represents Coker, first entered the political arena in the early 1980s when she acted as former Liberal Democrat MP Paddy Ashdown's secretary.
She was elected to Somerset County Council in May 1993 and was later named leader of the council in 2001.
After six years at the helm she stepped down - but continued as a councillor until May 2013.
She has also been a district councillor since May 2009.
Upon hearing the news, Mrs Bakwell said: "There are many others who have a greater claim and I am conscious of the trust that has been placed in me.
"I hope to speak for the ordinary man and woman in rural communities who are often overlooked in the powerhouses of London.
"I am very much looking forward to the challenge of scrutinising Government legislation and joining a well-established, cohesive team in the House of Lords."
Her duties at the House of Lords will include working in London from Monday to Wednesdays when the Upper Chamber is sitting. The main purpose of the work will be to scrutinise legislation coming through from the House of Commons, make amendments and when satisfied, pass the legislation into law.
Ric Pallister, leader of the district council said, "Cathy and her family have been close personal friends for more than 30 years and I could not be more delighted by this appointment.
"She has an amazing capacity for hard work and never shirks from telling people how it really is - a characteristic that will make her invaluable to the people of south Somerset when she brings ground floor reality to key debates in the house.
"As an advocate for the people, her influence will benefit the future for many people and I know that she will challenge the "London-centric" world of Whitehall and the "establishment".
"Her appointment is a major bonus for south Somerset."
