The Tories Stand out in More Ways than Won

I intend to write this post without bias, so apologies if my opinions seep through.

I thought it was worth acknowledging that since the recent resignations of Nick Clegg, Nigel Farage and Ed Miliband, all the major political parties bar the conservatives are currently being led by women.

Admittedly Harriet Harman (Labour), Sal Brinton (Lib Dem) and Suzanne Evans (UKIP) are only acting leaders for the moment (although Suzanne Evans is likely to take over as leader if Farage decides not to run again) this is still fairly impressive given that as recently as 2001 only 118 MP's were women, let alone being in charge of the parties.

I suppose you might wonder why this important, and maybe it isn't. But I do think there is some significance in this sudden surge in women leaders. For me it is an exciting prospect to be able to finally vote for a women prime minister (no disrespect to Natalie Bennet (Green Party) but she was highly unlikely to win the election), and perhaps this marks a shift in our politics at last.

For too long British politics has been dominated by Oxbridge educated middle class men, and I believe that for a true democracy it is essential that the people feel represented. It is no wonder so many people are disillusioned with politics (only 66.1% of us voted on Thursday) when politicians seem so out of touch with real people.

Undoubtedly one of the secrets to UKIP's success is Nigel Farage's ability to connect with the electorate and his image as 'one of us,' perhaps the other parties will learn from this.

Back to the issue of women in politics, I would like to draw attention to a newly elected MP for the Scottish National Party, Mhairi Black. She is a 20-year-old university student, and has made history as the youngest British MP since 1667. Regardless of whether or not you support the party to which she belongs, it cannot be argues that she has made an incredible achievement. Not only did she win her seat, she also beat Douglas Alexander, and Labour MP who's name I am sure you all recognise. Winning against such a tough opposition only reinforces her success, and I hope that she inspires young people, particularly young women, to get involved in politics.

We are more equally represented now than ever before, and I really hope this encourages more people to take an interest in politics more frequently than every 5 years. Whatever you think about our politicians, they have the power to shape our society and consequently have a huge impact on all of our lives.

Written by Lili

Picture Credit: Ellen

http://www.ukpolitical.info/FemaleMPs.htm
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/every-major-british-political-party--except-the-conservatives--currently-led-by-a-woman-10238390.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/11592557/General-election-2015-highest-turnout-since-Tony-Blair-landslide.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/08/politics/uk-elections-scotland-mhairi-black-labour/