Ming Campbell to encourage women researchers to consider standing for Parliament

3.19.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st May 2007

Ming Campbell will be speaking at a Campaign for Gender Balance event designed to encourage female Lib Dem researchers and other staff to consider becoming MPs. The event will be held on July 10th in the Houses of Parliament and will be attended by many Liberal Democrat MPs, including Julia Goldsworthy and Jenny Willott, who both worked as MPs' researchers before being elected as MPs themselves.

Jo Swinson, Chair of the CGB, said, "Our party is teeming with talented women who would be excellent MPs. Unfortunately many of these women never even consider standing for Parliament. We hope this event will encourage researchers and staff to have a go at being a candidate. Chatting with women who have done it already will help to debunk some of the myths and provide the inspiration to get going."

Julia Goldsworthy, who used to work for Matthew Taylor, said:

"As a researcher, I saw first hand the work that MPs do, both in Parliament and campaigning in their constituencies. I loved the variety that this offered and wanted to do it myself!

"I was also lucky enough to be able to stand for my home seat, which gave me an extra incentive to put my name forward and campaign on issues which have always been close to my heart."

The event is open not only to Parliamentary researchers, but to staff working in MPs' constituencies, council groups, and party HQ. Anyone who wishes to attend should contact Jo Swinson at SWINSONJ@parliament.uk; there has already been a high response rate. Wine and nibbles are, of course, included.