Chloe Smith encourages women in Norwich to stand for public office to commemorate 100 years since women were given the vote

Chloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North is encouraging women to get involved in politics and stand for public office in advance of tomorrow’s 100-year anniversary since Parliament gave women the right to vote.  

As Minister for the Constitution, Chloe is responsible for education projects to mark this centenary, and is keen to see more women in public life, and more women representing political parties at all levels. 

The Conservative Party has announced £5 million to help celebrate this milestone and to encourage more women to engage in our democracy. It will fund activities in the cities and towns with strong links to the campaign for women’s suffrage, and allow local communities to apply for money to run celebratory events.

Theresa May and the Conservative Party have a proud record of promoting women in politics. The first woman to sit in the House of Commons was a Conservative, and we were the first party in the western world to elect a female Prime Minister. The Prime Minister co-founded Women2Win, appointed a female Vice-Chair to our candidates department to look at how we can get more female candidates and we are working hard in Government to give women greater financial security, ensure equal opportunities in the workplace – so there’s no glass ceiling - and are working to end violence against women and girls.

Commenting, Chloe said:

‘A record number of women were elected to Parliament at the 2017 General Election – but there is still a lot more work to do.

‘I want to see more women in politics, and more women representing the Conservative Party at all levels. 

‘That is why I will be celebrating this milestone and using it as an opportunity to encourage more women to stand for public office.’