Where are all the women in the cabinet?

[fruitstick]

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.

It's a shame. Sarah Teather should have got a portfolio. Julia Goldsworthy could have done if she hasn't lost her seat.

I believe that the best person for the job should get it, gender should be irrelevant.

However, the idea that in this situation the men have got the jobs because they are the most capable is laughable. I don't think for one second that they have the roles because they are the best and no women in the parties are up to the job. Osborne, Clegg and Cameron are practically babies in political terms.

I can't believe that people are arguing that we don't have any women in the cabinet because they're not as good. Who needs men to put us down when we have enough women to do it for them?!

So far only 8 of the 20 Cabinet posts have been confirmed, so this arguement could be a little premature.

I am all for a female MP having a Cabinet post IF she is the best person for the job. Positive discrimination does no one any favours and with the state the country is currently in we NEED the best people for the job.

If women face huge barriers compared to men getting into politics it could be argued that those that do make it are likely to be better than the average man who makes it and therefore they should have a better chance of being promoted.

I don't think it is patronising to women to talk about what Harriet Harman did for women. She is a committed feminist and this meant she put a lot of her energies into these issues.

There isn't a single country that I know of anywhere in the world with a reasonable proportion of women in parliment where at least one party doesn't use some form of positive action. That isn't because women aren't good enough to make it on their merits its because the discrimination they face means that they don't get a chance to try.

Anyway I'm not complaining about the lack of positive action to put Tory/Lib Dem women into the cabinet I'm complaining about the discrimination in favour of the men.

Even though there are few female MPs. I think people are also overlooking the Lords.

If the Cons can rope in Ken Clarke to give experience and gravitas then surely Shirley Williams must be in the running for a cabinet post. The woman has never uttered a single thing that didn't make absolute sense.

If she doesn't fancy it then I do hope Baroness Falkner has been given a call.

Apparently Theresa May is in as Home Sec, which is great!

Theresa May doing home and equality.

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

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

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.

ermmm premature speculation as always somebody

Theresa May Home Secretary

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

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.

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

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.

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

fruitstick theresa may is home sec

Well hurrah and huzzah

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

VictoryA

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

Yes indeedy, GetOrf.

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%."

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!

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

Theresa May - oh God the shoes!

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