2009 'Future Women MPs Weekend' proves a real success!

4.26.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Apr 2009

Participants and trainers on the Future Women MPs Weekend 2009

The Campaign for Gender Balance recently held their annual 'Future Women MPs Weekend', with eighteen participants selected from across the country. These annual residential events are designed specifically for ambitious women Liberal Democrats who want to become MPs, and provide a targeted training and networking opportunity in order to help them achieve their ambitions within the Party.

The eighteen women received training in a range of topics relevant to becoming an outstanding Parliamentary Candidate, from choosing a seat to leadership skills. There was even a session on image consultation where the participants were given individual style advice, and everyone agreed that they were given some useful pointers!

Candy Piercy, Head of CGB training, oversaw the weekend, and was joined by guest trainers such as Hilary Stephenson, Director of Campaigns, Tamsin Hewett, Head of the English Candidates Office, Martin Tod, PPC for Winchester, and Jo Swinson MP. Lynne Featherstone MP also joined the group for dinner on Saturday night to share her experiences of becoming an MP, and pass on some 'insider' tips!

The participants really enjoyed the event and feedback was fantastic - 'The event was truly inspirational - it has been fantastic to get all the advice and tips, and meet so many fantastic people' . Each individual worked with a trainer to create their own personal development plan, and many have already started putting this into action. As CGB Chair, Ros Gordon, commented 'It is fantastic to see so many talented and motivated women all wanting to become Liberal Democrat MPs - I very much hope we will see them in the House of Commons in the future!'

If you are a women looking to stand as a Parliamentary candidate, or would like further information about becoming an MP, please contact Vicky Booth at the Campaign for Gender Balance - genderbalance@libdems.org.uk. The Campaign runs different training events throughout the year, as well as a mentoring scheme and other forms of support.