Successful Conference for GBTF

12.31.41pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 24th Sep 2004

Lembit's auctioneering skills helped to raise £3000 to get more women MPs

The Gender Balance Task Force enjoyed a successful conference week in Bournemouth. A highlight was the GBTF Auction, compered by Lembit Opik MP, which raised over £3000 to help women candidates - including £100 bid for a pair of Simon Hughes' boxer shorts, worn on the day he won the Party Presidency!

Hartlepool candidate Jody Dunn popped in to the auction on a flying visit to the conference, to thank the Gender Balance Task Force for the support she has received as a candidate. The £3000 raised will go towards a training weekend for future women MPs.

More training sessions were run than ever before, including for the first time mixed training sessions. The Conference Hall itself had a steady stream of women PPCs and activists making speeches and chairing debates.