In 2028, it will be 100 years since women secured the right to vote on the same terms as men. The suffrage anniversary proves that progress only happens because people step forward and support one another to bring about change.

I’d love to invite you to an informal discussion with Labour councillors across Bournemouth East – Cllr Eleanor Connolly, Cllr Sharon Carr-Brown and Cllr Annemarie Moriarty – about standing as a Labour candidate in the 2027 BCP Council elections.

Our party has never elected a permanent UK-wide female leader. I want us to change this by supporting women into politics and that means here in Bournemouth East. Next year gives us a fantastic opportunity to elect more brilliant Labour women to BCP Council.

I recognise that this invitation is coming from a man. I want to be the strongest ally I can be, and my intention is to say very little during the meeting, focusing instead on chairing it. I’d really welcome any and all suggestions you have on how I can be the best possible ally.

We’re building something special here in Bournemouth East, and we’re going from strength to strength. You could see that in May, when we won a seat in Littledown and Iford for the first time ever in the Bournemouth Town Council elections.

We have recent electoral successes to build on, outstanding women already serving as Labour councillors, and the brilliant work of Bournemouth Labour Women. I’d love to see even more women elected to BCP Council in 2027.

Whether you’ve been thinking about standing for a while or it’s something you’ve never really considered, this is a chance to hear from the women who’ve done it, ask questions, and learn more about what being a candidate is really like.

There’ll be no pressure — just a friendly conversation about whether it might be the right next step for you.

This is a fully trans-inclusive event, and the event location will be emailed to RSVPs closer to the day.

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