Women In Public Office 2020-03-11
2020-03-11
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The House of Commons now has a record number of 220 female MPs, but regional disparities exist. In Wrexham, only 19% of county councillors are female.
What steps is the Minister taking to encourage women to enter (a) politics, (b) the judiciary and (c) other public office? Eighty-one per cent of Wrexham county councillors are male. I am the first female Conservative MP for Wales and one could ask why it has taken so long, although that is for a different debate. Does my right hon Friend agree that organisations such as Women2Win Wales and the Women's Equality Network of Cardiff are vital and essential when trying to equalise the gender balance in higher public office?
This House now has 220 women MPs, which is a record. I believe that it is through transparency and meritocracy that we bring more great people into the House. I congratulate my hon Friend on being one of the first three Welsh female Conservative MPs. My hon Friend is absolutely right. Anybody who has met Baroness Jenkin will know that she is a force of nature to be reckoned with. She does not just ask women to stand; she tells them to stand—and she has made it happen.
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