| ID | 092365 |
| Title Proper | Feminisation of the conservative parliamentary party |
| Other Title Information | party members' attitudes |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Childs, Sarah ; Webb, Paul ; Marthaler, Sally |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Under David Cameron's leadership reforms have been made to the Conservative party's parliamentary selection procedures and distinct women's policy initiatives have been developed. This article, based on focus group data with party members, explores attitudes towards measures designed to recruit more women Conservative MPs. Broadly, we find that, despite widespread support for the principle of greater social diversity among PPCs, members are uncomfortable with the specific measures that have been introduced. This is largely on the grounds that anything approaching 'positive discrimination' should be eschewed in favour of the 'meritocratic' selection of candidates. Further, the members tend to resent central party 'interference' in what has traditionally been the domain of local Constituency Associations. |
| `In' analytical Note | Political Quarterly Vol. 80, No. 2; Apr-Jun 2009: p.204-213 |
| Journal Source | Political Quarterly Vol. 80, No. 2; Apr-Jun 2009: p.204-213 |
| Key Words | Women's Representation ; Conservatives ; Party Members ; Focus Groups |