Born in Edinburgh, Florence Horsbrugh organised travelling canteens during the First World War and was made an MBE in 1920. She was elected MP for Dundee in 1931, Dundee's first female MP. She held the seat until 1945. She was active in the League of Nations from 1933-36. Whilst an MP for Dundee she introduced two successful private members bills, one to curb meths drinking and the other to regulate adoption of children. During the war she had responsibility for the arrangements for the evacuation of children.

Her distinguished political career continued after losing the Dundee seat; she was elected MP for Moss Side in 1950 and subsequently became the first woman member of a Conservative cabinet.