MORE women are needed to represent residents in Parliament.
That is the call from Malvern MP Harriett Baldwin who has backed a petition calling for the election of more female MPs.
Currently, Mrs Baldwin is one of just 147 out of 650 members sitting in the House of Commons, representing just 22.6 per cent despite the fact 51 per cent of the general population are women. At the current rate of an extra eight women MPs on average over the last three elections, it would take 100 years to achieve a balance.
The 50:50 petition, which has attracted almost 4,000 signatures so far, calls for a debate on the matter.
Mrs Baldwin said there were 32 million women in the UK yet that was not reflected in the number of MPs in the Commons.
“This Government has made great strides ensuring that women are better represented in work, on boards and in other public roles. All organisations work better if they benefit from a range of perspectives.
“But I share the view that there is still much to do and I would like to see the gender balance redressed, sooner rather than later.
“Many women start off their political careers in local politics so if anyone is interested in standing for office at next year’s district council elections, I would love to hear from them.”
Visit www.5050parliament.co.uk to sign the petition.
