Record tally of women MPS

BRITAIN has returned its highest ever number of women MPS to Westminster.

The 2017 intake numbered 207, exceeding the 196 after the 2015 election and subsequent by-elections.

The previous high of 191 women elected in a single general election – in 2015 – has therefore also been beaten.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, is said to be the candidate whose re-election took the 2017 figure to 192, as she narrowly defended her Hastings and Rye seat.

It was not until the 2015 parliament that the total number of female MPS in history surpassed the number of male MPS in a single parliament (454).

Sam Smethers, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for women’s rights, said: “The real story is that progress has stalled. Getting more women in cannot be subject to party political fortunes.

“We agree with the recommendation of the cross-party women and equalities select committee that 45 per cent of each party’s candidates must be women.

“The time has come for a legally enforceable target to achieve the radical and sustainable change we need.”