Celebrating women's success!

7.08.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 1st Oct 2005

The 2005 Blackpool Conference Rally was attended by more than 300 delegates. Held in the colourful Spanish Hall in the Winter Gardens, delegates were enthused by listening to a variety of successful women in the Liberal Democrats, including a Council Leader, a newly elected MEP and new MPs.

Chaired by Baroness Harris of Richmond, the theme of the Rally was celebrating women's success. A number of different women were asked to speak, drawing on their experiences of being active in the Party, and identifying crucial skills and targets needed to achieve success in their chosen field.

The speakers were Baroness Falkner, Councillor Isobel McCall (Leader of Milton Keynes Council), Jenny Willott MP, Susan Kramer MP and Sharon Bowles MEP. Annette Brooke also gave a moving tribute to Patsy Calton MP, who she described as truly inspirational and a dear friend.

Those who attended left feeling motivated and one attendee commented: 'I wanted to pass on to the GBTF team how inspired I was by the evening. I was very moved by the women speakers and it is a pity that more Libs Dems couldn't be there to share the experience. The quality of our women is outstanding - such role models!

Without you and the support I have had personally from the Women Lib Dems and GBTF I may not be where I am now. I am motivated and ready to give what is needed to win for the Lib Dems in whatever area I am selected for (hopefully my home town!).'