Tory calls for more women candidates

Speaking at a lunch in aid of Macmillan Cancer at The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said she believed there was a perception of the existence of a glass ceiling stopping women from progressing to the highest ranks of political life in the Bradford district.

But that was not the case in the Conservative Party, she said.

Councillor Hawkesworth said: "I do not think for a second that my gender came into the equation when, last month, I successfully stood for election as Conservative Group Leader.

"And, of course, my predecessor but one – Cllr Margaret Eaton – has been awarded a peerage in honour of her achievements both as a former leader of Bradford Council and, more recently, as chairman of the Local Government Association.

"Having said that, I do not believe we have anything like enough female Conservative councillors in Bradford City Hall."

Increasing the number was one of her main objectives.