MNHQ Group 3

[AnnMumsnet]

Many thanks for agreeing to take part in this closed discussion thread. As you'll know, you all have an individual user name, separate to your on-site profile. So please feel free to be as open and frank as you like, without your views being read-across to your site profile.

The aim of these discussions is to discover if, how and why women's voting intentions are shifting and what you think about each of the party leaders.

We'll ask a few questions, allow you to think them over, respond, engage in a bit of discussion with other participants, and then we will pop back on the thread. We might want to tease out the reasons behind particular views or opinions and then will crack on with the next set of questions (on Thursday) and one more set over the weekend. Do feel free to re visit the thread at any point over the next week or so. We'll email you when we add a new set of questions.

Here are the questions to get you started

Thinking about when you decide which party to vote for, how important is the leader of the party in that decision?

Why?

What do you look for in a party leader? What makes a good party leader and what makes a bad one? What makes a good prime minister and what makes a bad one?

Thinking about the party you voted for at the 2010 General Election and the party you would vote for now, has it changed?

Why?
Why not?

Feel free to include any thoughts you might have - they don't have to be the conventional, just true to how you feel!

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
Slightly unnerved by the 'women like me' - not sure which of my many hats this applies to! Let's just take working mother in reasonably high-powered job struggling to be all things to all people.
DC Would probably understand where I was coming from but, fairly, might assume that I was capable of looking after myself and my own.
NC Probably similar to DC
EM Different planet

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
DC May be doing better than the Media give him credit for, but needs to do more to inspire women to stand so that their voice can be louder within the Conservative Party.
NC Get the impression the he is pretty gender-blind, Conference looks as if it is fairly evenly split
EM Get the feeling he'll listen if it gives a party-political point scoring opportunity.

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why? Most LibDem, simply because it is the most open to listening and acting on inequality in all its manifestations. Least - Labour - unless it gives point/vote scoring benefit. There seems to be a complete vacuum of actual policy creation.

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
as mentioned a few times previously, I HATE Cameron with such venom that although not a naturally violent person, I want to pound his smug shiny face in with a brick every time I see him on TV. I think he has set women back about 30 years - he seems to think that we all need to be married to naice men and everything would be great. His lack of compassion to women who are single (not necessarily through choice) and particularly those in a caring role is dispicable.
Clegg I dont really see too much. He seems to be hiding in the background and tentatively trying to put his hand up to be heard. I secretly hope he is lying low and plotting an overthrow, but I doubt it. I feel he is genuine in his beliefs though, and one of the few I would trust.
Ed Milliband just seems a bit not quite all there. I always get the impression that he's just been handed a piece of paper with what to say on it, and seems a bit surprised by it. I am not sure I trust the strength of his convictions yet, and I dont know how 'real' labour vs 'new' labour the party stand. I think he has more of an understanding than Cameron though.

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I think Cameron listens because he has to be seen to, but Im not sure I believe that he takes a huge notice of what they say unless he can create a good soundbite about it. Policies speak louder than any nice words.
Nick I believe in
Ed not quite decided.

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Lib Dems, because they come from a stance of liberalism and equality and have historically had strong women within their (many renamed) parties

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I am also a bit about the use of "women like you". I am no more in favour of this lumping together than I am about women being marginalised. And some issues which concern me actually don't really affect me personally, but that doesn't mean that they are not important to me. But anyhow:
DC - This whole child benefit palava and legal aid cuts dramatically affect women more than men, so I would have to say not doing so well.
NC - much better
EM - I must admit that I don't really know that much about him, but I don't think he has an understanding about the issues and concerns of women like me, having more concern for the working class male, but please forgive me for that ill informed gut feeling

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
DC - that calm down dear quote probably riles many
NC - probably takes account of what is being said, but I am not sure any party makes sure women are heard, not so that I am aware of anyway.
EM - no real idea

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Probably lib dem, for the best offerings at fairness and equality overall, not sure about the worst but the intolerance of UKIP or BNP probably hints at concerns in this area.

.

Oh, and quite off the topic but all this policitics chat is certainly making an impression on my suggestible mind - I actually dreamt about Cameron last night, got to be the first time that has happened!

I think that both David Cameron and Nick Clegg make a point of appearing to listen to women. We see little of this from Ed Milliband. However it is hard to know whether it makes any real difference to policies. Most policies are not male/ female specific.

Silly mistakes are made, eg the 'calm down dear' comment although to be fair I think they are equally rude to the male politicians. Some women, eg Theresa May, seem to have a strong voice.

I think Nick Clegg tries to be more family-friendly, eg in opposing the relaxation of staff: child ratios in nurseries, but ultimately all the politicians are going to be more affected by the costs than the demographics.

I was really pleased about Clegg's stance on the ratios issue, and I think that this is a good example of him bringing balance to the coalition.

So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.

DC: if you meet his version of a family unit, he understands you. What he doesn't get is me - the squeezed middle. Can't afford to give up work, but childcare is crippling, and the loss of CB is just another blow.
NC: he doesn't really have much choice, but having back tracked on some of his election promises (tuition fees??) I'm not sure he understands. He caves on things. Makes me think of "No, DS you can't have another icecream, No DS, you really can't have another icecream, Oh, here you go"
EM the fact that I actually struggle to distinguish between him and his brother, he's not really made an impact on me.

and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally

ALL difficult to tell what is actually putting the right person in the right place, and how much is making the numbers balance - ie as many women as possible. I think the amount of comments on MN complaining, or even fearful of policies coming in perhaps points out they aren't listening, or aren't explaining why the incoming austerity measures are the best, and what else has been considered and rejected.
One of the few things I can think of being applauded is the rejection of the relaxation in childcare ratios - so I guess Clegg is understanding working mothers the most.

Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Not sure I trust any party to look after my interests. However, I'd be very worried if BNP, or some of the other "Britain should be for the white British only" came in. That would be my husband, kids, and inlaws booted out.

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.

Another one a bit unsure of the 'women like you'. If it helps I am a mother of 3 (soon to be 4) and I work full time in what I guess would be classed as a 'professional' role.

First of all David Cameron - He manages to say what should be all the right things but I can't get past his delivery. I find him patronising and smarmy and I cannot believe he is sincerely interested in issues such as childcare. Although on reflection why do I jump straight to issues of childcare? I am interested in lots of issues, most of which have nothing to do with children. I think on any issue his delivery would put me off!

And then Nick Clegg - Nick Clegg seems much more in tune to issues faced by working mothers. He seems sincere and a hands on parent himself.

And then Ed Miliband - another one who loses me with his delivery, I cannot relate to him at all and I have no idea what he stands for or who he represents.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I like Tim Farron, I'd like to see him lead the Lib Dems in future and I think he'd do a good job.

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally

Realistically how much power do party leaders have in this area? The entire parliamentary system in Britain comes across as very 'old boys network' but isn't this as much to do with the civil service? Party leaders can, and probably do, foster talented female politicians but I think we need to wait for a whole generation of male civil servants to move on before women will have anything like a reasonable chance to be heard in British politics.

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

The Lib Dems, for their general ethos but also their stance on specific issues such as childcare ratios.

So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
Not a clue

And then Nick Clegg?
Not a clue

And then Ed Miliband?
Not a clue

I'm surprised that anyone puts any trust in whether they understand the lives of the majority of people in the country. They are surrounded by affluence and priviledge.

I could only think of Nigel Farrage and I'm afraid the little I've heard of/from him has not inspired great confidence, I tink he's my most likely candidate for who has lads mags next to the loo (I once really worked in an office like that).

how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
I'm not impressed by the representation of women in cabinet, so shame on DC.

And then Nick Clegg?
minus points for Nick for replacing a female lib dem cabinet member (Sarah Teather, who I also doubt would have tried to cut staffing at nurseries) with his best buddy (David Laws) even though he is doing some work on trying to improve education for "disadvantaged" pupils.

And then Ed Miliband?
Afraid I have no idea, has he just peered Mrs Lawrence though? Thumbs up on that one :)

As for Nige I don't think he actually knows who is in his political party.

Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

I suppose I most trust the lib dems because at least they are in favour of self determination. I have some serious doubts about the unions' sanity which is why I can't say labour. And I would least trust the Conservatives because they simply seem to see everything in terms of market forces, this is a complicated world and it is not so easy to say if the businesses make more profits everything will be wonderful.

delegate322 You're right that there is a major gender imbalance in the civil service to, but in my experience when a minisiter says 'jump' even senior civil servants say 'how high?'

1. So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.

First of all David Cameron? - Has not got a clue. I work in education and he is an accomplice to the current dismantling of the state education system. I also work very little with a DH who earns a good wage and the idea that we could have our child benefit cut even though people who earn more than us as a couple keep their child benefit is just ridiculous. Before he was prime minister I thought he would be better than he has been but he is in an ivory tower unaware of the damage his party is doing.

And then Nick Clegg? - Much happier with him but he has no real power.

And then Ed Miliband? - I think he is making a good effort but has not got the umph to put anything concrete in place.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

2. and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally? First of all David Cameron? - As prime minister he should really make a better effort of having more women in prominent positions and his attitude towards women talking in parliament has been appalling.

And then Nick Clegg? - Again they have so little actual power but I hope they have learnt from the allegations they have recently faced.

And then Ed Miliband? - I always felt that the Labour party did make an effort to get women into prominent positions

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

3. Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

Either the Lib Dems or the Labour. The Conservatives are only interested in taking care of rich, white men in my opinion.

Thanks again - we really appreciate all the comments.

The last questions for the weekend: please add your comments to these questions below - ideally by Monday morning but we'll give everyone an extra day to post if needed .

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

once more...MNHQ

Answering before RTFT so that I am not influenced.

"Thinking about when you decide which party to vote for, how important is the leader of the party in that decision?"

Absolutely vital. The leader is representing the party. Several parties can have very similar policies, but with very different rationales. I also think that the leader's integrity becomes apparent and can instill, or destroy, trust. For example, the behaviour of David Cameron and Nick Clegg has eroded my faith in politics in general.

"What do you look for in a party leader? What makes a good party leader and what makes a bad one? What makes a good prime minister and what makes a bad one?"

Integrity, firstly. Considered decision making. No rash decisions to appease voting majorities. Willingness to explain decisions in a way that is accessible to all.

A bad party leader is one who prioritises soundbites over sincerity.

A Prime Minister who is more interested in their appearance than the country is a bad one.

"Thinking about the party you voted for at the 2010 General Election and the party you would vote for now, has it changed?"

I am, for the first time, at a loss as to how to vote. I voted Labour in the last election, because I couldn't face the Conservatives getting in and I was sure the Lib Dems couldn't get it on their own. In the immediate aftermath, I wished I voted Lib Dem. Now, I'd never vote for Lib Dems because they have shown themselves to be hypocritical, more interested in taking a place at the table than in sticking to their policies. I'd never vote Conservative, either. Labour...well they aren't shining. The fringe parties don't have any benefit to me. I'm a disillusioned voter.

David Cameron - he has betrayed carers of children with SN, who are mostly women. He said he understood. He said he'd been there. He said he'd look after us. He lied.

Nick Clegg - He's turned out to be a snake in the grass. He sacrificed his integrity to get a place in leadership. His party will suffer for it.

Ed Miliband - He's getting there, but I think they chose the wrong brother.

Not sure, tbh. Teresa May seems to be doing ok.

1. None. First, Lib Dem, second Labour (only because I think they're interested in equality for all), third Conservative.

I'm sad that I feel this way. For the first time I have considered not voting, or spoiling my paper.

ow well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron? Well, he's reducing it....
And then Nick Clegg? He's not shown any management skills so far.
And then Ed Miliband? Not sure.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron? He'd find it hard not to have DD1 cared for 24/7.
And then Nick Clegg? He'd probably cope OK.
And then Ed Miliband? He'd probably cope OK.

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
I don't really think any of the party leaders are very good at understanding women's issues.

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?
Again, I don't think any of them are very good at it.

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?
I don't trust any of them particularly, but, looking at the women they are married to, I have a sneaking suspicion that Nick Clegg is the one with the most feminist leanings.

Sorry, not very helpful on this one.

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

DC doesn't have a clue about the price of anything.
NC might stand a chance
EM looks like he might spend a little less than the rest, but from looking at his history on Wiki (yes, I know, I needed to sort out the 2 brothers), I doubt thats true, so he is one of those people who looks a bit dishevelled whatever they spend on clothes.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

They would probably all do OK. We are very fortunate that there is no desperate need to budget, so if they thought about it, and didn't book a holiday, buy a new car etc, (or probably a new suit) they would be OK.

It would depend on how long they had to do it for. I'm sure they could live on the toughest MN budget for 24 hours, would manage week or 2 after payday of most. Its the living day in, day out on low cash, and then having to deal with the washing machine breaking etc which is unrealistic in any "could you live on". And I doubt any of them would stick with it for long enough to deal with the long term grind of it.

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
Probably better than us for switching suppliers for deals. I would imagine that Sam would be better placed to run the family finances overall - she has a real world business background, albeit in luxury goods.
And then Nick Clegg?
Again, I think I'd rather have Miriam doing the budgeting. Not sure career politician is a god recommendation.
And then Ed Miliband?
Probably clueless. Spend it all on something that looked like a good idea at the time then realise the next week that he had nothing left over.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect? Alec Salmond might possibly manage better.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
Probably fine
And then Nick Clegg?
Again, probably fine
And then Ed Miliband? Shouldn't be a problem
Having said that, we're reasonably comfortable, both with good jobs with enough seniority and flexibility that between us we don't have to shell out on ridiculous childcare costs. They might all realise that there wasn't much left over for the personal appearance/grooming budget, but then we just have different priorities. We also very, very rarely eat out or go out to shows together because a reasonable budget times six people equals an awful lot of money.

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?

I think he would just hand them over to someone else and depending on how well they did he would either take the credit or give them the blame

And then Nick Clegg?

Probably have a good shot at it but would cave under pressure!

And then Ed Miliband?

He would dilly and dally around on what to do and end up frittering it all away

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?

I think they would all struggle as I can't imagine they are used to living under a huge shadow of debt, rising household bills, frozen pay, changes to pension, performance related pay not related to your own performance, plus childcare costs

What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

Ok, well I'm 35, married, 2 kids under 3, working part time. My husband's earnings mean we will be losing a proportion of our child benefit. That issue alone riles me, as we waited to have children so we were in a good position financially and secure with our home and careers, and while I don't believe in 'sponging' from the state I do believe that any savings from the benefits change will be eaten up in administration. The Tories seem to think that we are somehow so wealthy and we aren't badly off at all, but are being penalised for being responsible. At least that's how it feels. I don't think they understand the balancing act of working mothers in any way. The proposed changes to childcare vouchers are a joke. The constant tampering with the education system causes undue stress for both parents and children. I get no advantage for being married and yet the Tories claim to want to promote marriage. I just don't believe them. David Cameron and his family are so squeaky clean and 'perfect'. I thought he might be more sympathetic with his experiences of children with disablilities but I'm not so sure now. Clegg I think means well but is drowned out by the Tories. Miliband, I have no idea what he thinks about women but his connections to the Unions make me think he might be more aware of the challenges women face over discrimination in the workplace.

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I don't like the women only shortlist policy - not sure if any of them still do this now. The best person for the job should be considered. I don't appreciate the attitude that women are less capable which I think Cameron has displayed on a few occasions. The others, I don't know.

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

The Lib Dems I think have more of a history of equality. Then Labour, finally the Tories, in order of trust. But I'm not really sure that any of them really 'get' women.

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

I have visions of all of them getting the au pair to do it... sorry. I find it hard to believe any of them have ever had to consider something like that. Probably unfair, but they all seem to come from wealth. I don't know if that is actually the case though. I think Miliband would have a go, and Clegg would be very sincere and keep a lovely spreadsheet. DC would start out well and then blow any leftovers at Boden.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

All of them would probably struggle with having children at home 24/7 I suspect. My DH looks after the DCs at the weekend when I am at work and I am with them on weekdays. If we had to pay for outside childcare then the budget would be shot. Lack of time for themselves would be the hard bit, as it is for me. We do have enough to be able to shop at Waitrose and to not worry about counting every penny, but don't have foreign holidays or time away as a couple. They do all seem to like their holidays! I think Miliband and Clegg would be fine, Cameron seems a bit more highbrow in his tastes!

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?
Sorry, going to treat this all as one question, because I don't understand the difference between the questions really.
Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

Going to go in a slightly different order

Nick Clegg would spend all my money by Friday with nothing left for the weekend

Ed Miliband would spend all my money by Wednesday

David Cameron would blow all the money on a Friday night and go round his mum and dad's to get a loan while claiming it was quantitative easing.

Seriously though, they all have large family incomes, they might do fine for a week or two but I'm not sure that any of them could manage on my budget.

How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

I dont think any of them could do it - once you get used to a certain standard of living I think its hard for them to manage to cope with much less, hence their ability to identify with the average diminishes the further from average they get. Cameron obviously is the furthest away.

Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

hahahahahahahahahahaha

1) So, these days how well or badly do you think the current main party leaders are doing on understanding the issues and concerned facing women like you.
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

David Cameron's experience is about as far removed from most people's lives, I don't think he has any understanding of, for example, how to live on a budget etc.
Nick Clegg appears more grounded but is another with a well-upholstered lifestyle.
Miliband - don't know enough to comment.
Theresa May is probably the most plausible Tory leader-elect at present.

2) and how well or badly do you think they make sure or take account of women being heard in their party and in politics generally?
First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?

They are all pretty much members of the 'boys club'.

3) Finally for now - which party - if any - do you trust the most to look after the interests of women? Why? And which do you trust the least? And why?

It seems counter-intuitive but probably the Tories. Plenty of strong women behind the men.

*How well or badly do you think the party leaders could manage your household finances effectively?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?*

Cameron - clueless
Clegg - ditto
Miliband - probably do ok.

*Imagine the party leaders had to live on your family budget, which do you think would cope best/worst? Why? What problems would they encounter?

First of all David Cameron?
And then Nick Clegg?
And then Ed Miliband?
What about another party leader you know of (or one you think should/ could be a party leader) - please name them and then say: how well or badly do they do on this aspect?*

Our household budget is reasonably comfortable, as long as we are sensible, so I would expect them all to do ok, as long as they were prepared to embrace MoneySavingExpert etc. We can live reasonably as long as we shop around. I think they would be shocked that a middle income middle class family does not live as well as they would have say 20 years ago. Due to pay freezes, inflation, house prices etc.