COUNCILLORS in Inverclyde have backed a campaign which aims to tackle under-representation of women in local government.

Elected members had agreed in February to hold off until this month and give equality campaigners a chance to address them on a call for a law change which would introduce legislated candidate quotas.

As they reconvened to look at the issue, a succession of councillors spoke of their support of the Women 50:50 drive.

Local authority leader Stephen McCabe said: “I think we need to move forward quicker. I would suggest we give it our full backing

“We want to have a council that represents the community.”
His deputy, Cllr Jim Clocherty, also spoke in favour of the quota campaign.

He said: “We have not had 20 per cent female representation in the council since the very first council.

“We need to take a leap of faith and make the change, we want a council that reflects Inverclyde.”

Councillor Lynne Quinn, one of three women elected to the local authority last year, said she was ‘delighted’ to hear her fellow councillors support the campaign.

She said: “This is just the beginning and we must all work together to ensure that further, positive action is taken to address the inequality that exists.”

The motion agreed by the council asked the Scottish Parliament to push forward legislative change that would encourage more women candidates.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor McCabe said quotas would ‘not be easy to implement’.

But he added: “The time is now right for a sea change in Scottish politics. 

“Inverclyde Council, by agreeing this motion, is formally calling on our parliamentarians in Edinburgh and our local list and constituency representatives to join us in supporting the legislative change necessary to support the Women 50:50 campaign and promote equal representation in council chambers and in the parliament itself.”