Success for women candidates in 2005

12.04.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th May 2005

May 6th saw the Parliamentary Party wake up with 10 women MPs, more than at any time in the history of the Liberal Democrats or its predecessor parties. As well as holding 5 out of the 6 seats with sitting women MPs, we also took 5 new seats, significantly for the party against both the Conservatives and Labour Party. The seats retained were Brent East (Sarah Teather), Cheadle (Patsy Calton), Mid Dorset and North Poole (Annette Brooke), Romsey (Sandra Gidley). New candidate, Susan Kramer held Richmond Park, the seat vacated by Jenny Tonge.

It was particularly sad to see the loss of Guildford following a vicious campaign from the Conservatives. Sue Doughty, President of Women Liberal Democrats. Sue has been a supportive mentor for new candidates and active member of WLD and we hope to see her continue her fight to re-gain Guildford for the Liberal Democrats. Her loss from the Parliamentary Party has been keenly felt, and both GBTF and WLD would like to thank her for her support over her time in Parliament.

An article of this nature would be incomplete without special mention of the achievements of Patsy Calton. Patsy went into the 2005 election with a majority of just 33, the smallest in the country, and knowing that she was the Tories' top target. Although unwell, Patsy fought the campaign in a whole-hearted manner and ensured a majority of over 4,000. Sadly Patsy died just a few days after taking her oath. She remains an inspiration to a generation of women candidates, and many others within the Party, and she will be sadly missed. We wish her successor Mark Hunter, the new MP for Cheadle, every good wish.

Jenny Willott, MP for Cardiff Central

5 new women MPs were elected on May 5th. In Scotland Jo Swinson, Vice Chair of GBTF was elected in East Dunbartonshire becoming the first woman MP for the Liberal Democrats since Ray Michie and in Wales Jenny Willott was elected for Cardiff Central breaking an even longer absence for women in the Welsh Parliamentary Party, since Megan Lloyd-George.

The West Midlands achieved its first woman MP with Lorely Burt taking Solihull. In London Lynne Featherstone's model of 'Growing your own Target Seat' paid off with her victory in Hornsey and Wood Green, and in Cornwall Julia Goldsworthy turned a red seat gold, taking Falmouth and Camborne.

In 2001 Conference set the GBTF the target of achieving 40% women candidates in winnable seats. Since 2001 the dynamics of British politics has changed. Seats that were classified as Starred or Development by their position in 2001 became winnable with the advance of Liberal Democrats into classically Labour territory. Other seats that had seen some candidates work hard and building teams over several elections and a number of years also became 'winnable' for the Liberal Democrats. The challenge for the GBTF and women candidates was to respond to these changes and ensure that women continued to put themselves forward for seats. The GBTF always believed that this target was likely to be unachievable, but the changing nature of British politics together with a partnership between GBTF and women candidates long-term ensured that this target was met.

On election night it was extremely disappointing to be hearing results from across the country, and knowing that many hard-working and dedicated candidates had not been successful. It is clear that for many the result did not represent the sacrifices that were made, nor the hard work put in. However this effort is appreciated and does make a difference, and the GBTF and WLD would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our women candidates for their efforts this year.

And so the challenge for the next Parliament continues. The GBTF and WLD will continue to partner to ensure that all Regional Conferences have representation from both organisations. A full programme of activity is planned for the Autumn Conference in Blackpool, focusing for the GBTF on encouraging women to develop skills needed for approval and to consider their future within the Party. In addition we will be revising the selection skills for women, and supporting women in their activities to grow new winnable seats, as well as considering standing for target seats. We recognise that there remain perceived barriers and for many actual barriers which need to be overcome before committing to a career in politics. However wherever you are in your political career the Gender Balance Task Force is committed to supporting women through the Approval and Selection process. We can't work miracles but we can equip you with the skills and toolkits to work your own! Please get in touch with your thoughts and offers of help, as well as considering candidacy.

The GBTF Administrator is Francesca Marritt. She can be reached on 07870 171708 or gbtf@libdems.org.uk. The GBTF website can be found at www.gbtf.libdems.org.uk.