WOMEN MPs are expected to rise this May by the highest number since 1997 — but the “mother of parliaments” will still have fewer women than 35 other countries.
The Electoral Reform Society (ERS) predicted yesterday that the number of women MPs would go up by 44 at the general election, based on research in key seats.
If this is borne out, almost 30 per cent of parliamentary seats will be taken by women.
ANN HENDERSON looks at the trailblazers of the Women’s Trade Union League and their successful fight for female factory inspectors — a battle that echoes in today’s workplace campaigns
ANSELM ELDERGILL is a member of Your Party and he suggests how the new party should reform Britain’s constitution
The historic heartland of anti-fascist resistance and mining militancy now faces a new battle — stopping Nigel Farage. ANDREW MURRAY meets ex-Labour MP Beth Winter and former Plaid leader Leanne Wood, the two socialists leading the resistance


