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Original poster

Where are all the women in the cabinet?

257 replies

fruitstick · 12/05/2010 10:40

I'll try again with a completed thread title this time!

Given that this was supposed to be the Mumsnet election, is there any hope that there might be one, just one woman in the cabinet?

Although Samantha Cameron looked lovely in her maternity wear and heels, I was hoping for slightly more representation than that.

Despite Labour's faults, at least they had women in important and influential positions, not just window dressing.

OP posts:
AuntieMaggie · 12/05/2010 12:53

Oh great blotted..... not a complete surprise though as equality/diversity doesn't seem very to be very important to the tories

Wasn't it down to Labour that women can vote?

Strix · 12/05/2010 12:53

Quite happy with the cabinet announcements so far...

I am more interested in what their policies will do for women than I am in whether the people making the policies are women.

They can start by giving men the exact same paternity pay as women get in maternity pay. 6 weeks at 90% for starters.

squeaver · 12/05/2010 12:50

Looks like Baroness Warsi's getting something too.

Blottedcopybook · 12/05/2010 12:50

Have you all seen this? Theresa May - Minister for Women and Equality consistently votes AGAINST Equal rights for homosexuals.

She's just going to be a wonderful and progressive campaigner for equality, eh?

Sunshinetoast · 12/05/2010 12:43

Glad to see Theresa May there. She's also Minister for Women I think. She has been shadow Minister for Women in the past and I thought seemed like a sort of free market feminist. Feminism being a broad church after all!

GetOrfMoiLand · 12/05/2010 12:40

Thanks Victory.

I am afraid as a die hard leftie I cannot say the same about your name

dustythedolphin · 12/05/2010 12:34

Though no-one seemed to regard CP as an election issue and John Hemmings and Lynne F appear to be the only MPs who are passionate about protecting vulnerable children

dustythedolphin · 12/05/2010 12:32

Yes Lynne Featherstone's name has been mooted for something, hope she gets a key role. She is certainly well placed to advise on improvements to the Child Protection system, being a Haringey MP

squeaver · 12/05/2010 12:24

I suspect Lynne Feathestone (who is, as it happens, my MP, fact fans) will get something junior.

Theresa May - oh God the shoes!

Ewe · 12/05/2010 12:18

Glad there is a woman in there, just a shame about her voting records, she isn't particularly pro-women but at least she is there!

dustythedolphin · 12/05/2010 12:18

Centre for Women & Democracy tweets: "Women in European cabinets: Spain 53%, Germany 37%, France 33%, Netherlands 33%, Italy 27%, Greece 26%, Belgium 23%, Portugal 13%, UK so far 0%."

VicToryA · 12/05/2010 12:04

Yes indeedy, GetOrf.

GetOrfMoiLand · 12/05/2010 11:54

VictoryA

Sparkly accessories and a doctorate. You are evidently a superior being.

Original poster
fruitstick · 12/05/2010 11:54

Well hurrah and huzzah

I'll get my coat (although I like to think DC was reading this thread and changed his mind)

OP posts:
patienceplease · 12/05/2010 11:52

fruitstick theresa may is home sec

VicToryA · 12/05/2010 11:52

(And I do love your name, GetOrf. I think it's my favourite MN name).

VicToryA · 12/05/2010 11:52

GetOrf, yes I do for fear that my first class degree and PhD might otherwise drop out.

It is a sparkly one, though, borrowed from DD.

Original poster
fruitstick · 12/05/2010 11:50

Born 9 March 1955, Kishwer Falkner (previously Kishwer Khan) was educated at St Joseph?s Convent School Karachi Pakistan, London School of Economics, and the University of Kent. She has been Chief Executive of Student Partnerships Worldwide, a charity supporting young people in Africa and Asia, and heavily involved in international development at the Commonwealth Secretariat. Previously she has been Chief Programme Officer, Political Affairs Division Commonwealth Secretariat (?99-?03), and Director International Affairs for the Liberal Democrats (?93-?99). Kishwer Falkner stood for election as MP for Kensington and Chelsea in the 2001 General Election. She is married with one child and lives in London.

Kishwer Falkner speaks on home affairs in the Lords.

And then we have Michael Gove, tipped to be Home Secretary, who was a journalist on the Spectator before becoming an MP

OP posts:
VicToryA · 12/05/2010 11:48

Andie, the 'who can afford to pay for it' bit should go without saying. Personally I am eternally grateful for clever children and scholarships, or my children would be sunk. All schools should offer the same life opportunities as indie ones, but (largely) don't.

FWIW, my ignorant comment on female Labour MPs would also apply to male Labour MPs.

somebodysfool · 12/05/2010 11:48

Sorry have just seen Theresa May is in hope she is not the only token!

toccatanfudge · 12/05/2010 11:47

ermmm premature speculation as always somebody

Theresa May Home Secretary

somebodysfool · 12/05/2010 11:46

2010 and no women in a cabinet post, what a sad reflection on modern British politics. Also all white males as far as I can see.

The old boys club is still alive and kicking along with the odd masonic handshake no doubt.

patienceplease · 12/05/2010 11:45

X-posts!
What about baroness Warsi? She's been quite high profile.

GetOrfMoiLand · 12/05/2010 11:45

VictoryA - do you use your alice band to keep your brain in?

patienceplease · 12/05/2010 11:44

Theresa May doing home and equality.