Oral Answers to Questions

Sarah Atherton Excerpts

Wednesday 11th March 2020 Commons Chamber

The Minister for Women and Equalities was asked—

[Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) (Con)]

1. What steps she is taking to encourage women to enter (a) politics, (b) the judiciary and (c) other public office.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Elizabeth Truss)]

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.

[Sarah Atherton]

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?

[Elizabeth Truss]

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.