Two councillors from opposite ends of the political spectrum are forming an alliance – to encourage more women into local politics.
While Tory Sue Arnold and Labour’s Sue Woodward find themselves facing one another in Lichfield District Council’s chamber, they will be casting their differences aside to promote International Women’s Day on Thursday (March 8).
And to prove a point they dressed in the opposing colours of their political affiliation.
“We want local people to come into politics, regardless of their affiliation,” said Cllr Woodward, who represents the Chase Terrace ward.
International Women’s Day is in its 37th year and encourages governments, organisations, charities and women’s groups around the world to adopt a different annual theme that reflects global and local gender issues. This year it’s empowering local women.
“We are taking on board the mantra of International Women’s Day that by effectively increasing the impact of women on public life at all levels, the potential for change towards gender equality and empowerment of women and a more democratic and just society is increased,” added Mease & Tame representative Cllr Arnold.
In Lichfield almost a third of the 56 members on the local authority are women.
“Although more than half the population of the UK is female – much less than half are in a position of responsibility in public life,” added Cllr Woodward.
The two women, who both won seats in the district council elections of 2011, do like to sit together when they sit on the same committees.
“We may be from different sides of political divide, but we hit it off instantly,” added Cllr Arnold.
Cllr Woodward added: “Local politics is on the majority of occasions agreement regardless of which party you belong to – and it is about putting what’s best for local communities above all else.”
