On Thursday 21st July I was honoured to be a part of the first time when every member of the Government, in my first week as a Government Whip, and Opposition front benches, were women. It was so appropriate this momentous event occurred for questions on Women and Equalities issues. Mr Philip Hollobone MP for Kettering drew attention to this fact before he asked his question by telling the house: “This may be a special occasion because all 12 Members on both the Government and Opposition Front Benches are female”.
It is absolutely fantastic and not before time that during a Debate or Questions in the Chamber of the House of Commons all of the frontbenchers were women. Over the years the numbers of women elected to Parliament have risen steadily, excellent women who are as capable as the men who have come before them. This has been recognised and it is absolutely right so many have frontbench roles. Our Government believes in equality of opportunity and I hope this sends the message to all the women of our great country they can go as far as their talents will take them - to quote our new PM Theresa May.
This is another milestone that we have overcome and I was delighted to be part of this moment in history.