The daughter of Reverend George Hamilton Richards and Eva née Lindley, she was educated at Canon Slade Grammar School in Bolton and at Ealing Hotel and Catering College. Harris worked as an air stewardess prior to a career in local government.
Born to Reverend George Hamilton Richards and Eva Lindley, she attended Canon Slade Grammar School in Bolton and Ealing Hotel and Catering College. Before entering local government, Harris had experience as an air stewardess.