More women should stand for election says Leeds Councillor

12.00.00am GMT Thu 1st Feb 2007

Leeds Councillor Brenda Lancaster has spoken out on the need for more women to become involved in local government.

Despite a number a of women in high-profile political positions nationally, there are currently only 29 female councillors on Leeds City Council out of a possible 99.

Councillor Brenda Lancaster (Lib Dem, Moortown) said, "2007 is the centenary anniversary of when women finally won the right to stand in town hall elections. There has undoubtedly been progress since 1907, but many people still see politics as the sole-preserve of white, middle-aged men.

"Local government isn't an appealing prospect for many women. Balancing a career, being a councillor and having a family is challenging. But I find being able to help very rewarding. In my time on the council I have helped people make changes for the better and had honour of being Deputy Lord Mayor for a year. Experiences I would never have had, had I not stood for election.

"I think it's vital that women realise that the opportunity is there for them to become more involved with their local community should they want to. Here in Leeds we have 29 female councillors and whilst not all of us share the same politics, we do have the shared view that there should be more women on the council."