MP Kelly Tolhurst is today supporting a year-long programme of events organised by the UK Parliament to mark 100 years since the 1918 Representation of the People Act, which gave all men and some women the vote for the first time.
The Representation of the People Act extended the right to vote to all men over 21 and the first women, making this one of the most important centenaries in British democratic history.
Schools and community groups in Rochester and Strood are encouraged to get involved in debating and celebrating this important anniversary in our democracy. In addition, Kelly is keen to encourage more women to get involved in politics and stand for public office.
We want to see more women in public life, and more women representing the Conservative Party at all levels. That is why the Conservatives have announced £5 million to help celebrate this milestone and to encourage more women to engage in our democracy. It will fund activities in the cities and towns with strong links to the campaign for women’s suffrage, and allow local communities to apply for money to run celebratory events.
Theresa May and the Conservatives have a proud record of promoting women in politics. The first woman to sit in the House of Commons was a Conservative, and we were the first party in the western world to elect a female Prime Minister. The Prime Minister co-founded Women2Win, appointed a female Vice-Chair to our candidates department to look at how we can get more female candidates and we are working hard in Government to give women greater financial security, ensure equal opportunities in the workplace – so there’s no glass ceiling - and are working to end violence against women and girls.
Kelly Tolhurst said: "The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a vital step towards the rights women have today, and the centenary of the Act is an incredibly important opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come, thanks to the extreme bravery and sacrifice of the women who fought – and in some cases died – for equality.
"A record number of women were elected to Parliament at the 2017 General Election – but there is still a lot more work to do.
"I was only the 447th female MP to have been elected back in 2015 and while we now have more I want to see more women in politics, and more women representing communities at all levels.
"That is why I will be celebrating this milestone and using it as an opportunity to encourage more women to stand for public office."