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Are we getting a better ride in politics than 10 years ago?

By Natalia Lubomirski on Friday 7 October 2011

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Labour leader Ed Milliband looks set to promote several female MPs in his next cabinet reshuffle, so are we set to make more of a splash on the still male political landscape?

Are women getting a better ride in politics than we were 10 years ago?

MPs Rachel Reeves, Stella Creasy and Gloria De Piero have all been tipped for the top, when Ed Milliband announces his changes, despite having only entered parliament 18 months ago.

Previously, candidates have been selected through votes within the party, however this was quickly changed when Ed Milliband was elected to front the opposition. He argued that the election system led to candidates 'campaigning against colleagues' for months, which was a 'huge distraction' and the party recently voted to scrap the system.

This means that the Labour leader has full control over the reshuffle and can personally select his front bench.

Gloria De Piero, a former GMTV presenter turned MP for Ashfield, is likely to be promoted from her current role as shadow culture minister to shadow secretary of state.

Reeves, currently MP for Leeds West and shadow minister for pension has been tipped to replace Angela Eagle as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, while Eagle is expected to be chosen for another shadow cabinet job.

Rumours are rife that the reshuffle is fast approaching and it looks like Ed Milliband is intent on including several women to sit on his frontbench as the key to success in the next election.

Meanwhile, Ken Clarke hasn't been doing his party any favours in attracting the female voter after his sexist jibes aimed at fellow Conservative MP Theresa May. He has since apologised for his 'colourful language', but this outburst indicates that parliament may still have some way to go in achieving a complete equal standing for women in politics.

Do you think women have an equal standing in politics? Would more women on the frontbench encourage you to vote fo the party? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.

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