The Labour Party has a commitment to Equal Opportunities. This commitment has led it to work tirelessly to promote Gender balance when it comes to selecting candidates. But the Party realised that strong words and good intentions were not enough.
This is why all woman shortlists were introduced for Parliamentary
selections.
It is why in Lewisham Labour has been committed to ensuring that
it has at least one woman candidate standing in every ward in Council elections.
And, when in Office, Labour in Lewisham has sought to have Gender balance
on the Group, in the Mayor’s Cabinet and amongst elected Chairs and Vice Chairs
of Council Committees.
Steve Bullock was the first Labour Mayor of Lewisham. He
served for 16 years
He was followed by Damien Egan who served for 6 years.
Lewisham had it’s first woman Mayor when Brenda Dacres succeeded
Mayor Egan.
She will serve for 2 years.
In the 24 years that Lewisham has had a Mayor, it has only had
a woman Mayor for 2.
If the Party selects a male candidate to replace Mayor Dacres and
that candidate goes on to win in May and serves a full term, then Lewisham will
have had a male Mayor for 26 years.
The earliest opportunity for Lewisham to have a woman Mayor would then probably be in 2030. 2034 if he serves for 2 terms.
In a few weeks' time Labour Party Members have the chance to choose their candidate to be the next Mayor of Lewisham.
This will be an opportunity for all those who have advocated
strongly for Gender balance to stand up and be counted.
I’ll be voting for Amanda de Ryk.
She is a fantastic candidate.
She has the experience and track record to show that she can make
Lewisham the best place to live, work and learn.
She will deliver for all of Lewisham’s people.
Please give her your support.
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