Calling all Women Councillors - Parliament needs you!

2.49.26pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 20th Dec 2006

The Campaign for Gender Balance has this week launched a drive to get more Lib Dem women Councillors standing for Parliament. Letters are being sent from Lynne Featherstone MP, a former Councillor and GLA member, to all 1500 women Lib Dem Councillors to encourage them to consider becoming approved candidates.

The Campaign for Gender Balance will provide support for women who are interested, from an informal chat about what candidature entails, to practical help with completing the approval forms and preparing for the assessment day.

In her letter Lynne Featherstone says, "Not enough women are getting elected and taking the decisions that matter. If you have gone as far as becoming a councillor you are doing your training for Parliament - even if you don't realise it. Councillors make good MPs, and Parliament is sweet reason compared to my time on Haringey Council!"

Jo Swinson, Acting Chair of the Campaign for Gender Balance, added, "Less than 1 in 10 of our women Councillors are currently approved to stand for Parliament, so we are missing out on a huge pool of talent. There is plenty of advice and support available for women Councillors who are thinking of becoming a PPC - just get in touch!"

The Campaign for Gender Balance organiser Ellie Cumbo can be contacted at Cowley Street on 020 7222 7999, by email to genderbalance@libdems.org.uk