Appointment is a sad reflection on the Tories

As new Women’s Officer of Shipley Constituency Labour Party I am writing to highlight the news of Philip Davies the Conservative MP of Shipley, who has just been elected (unopposed) onto the select committee for women and equalities.

Women, ethnic minorities, disabled and LGBT people face barriers to realising their potential across employment, health, education, justice and many other areas. The cross-party women and equalities select committee was created so that MPs can assess whether government and others are doing their best to ensure equality for all.

Philip Davies has said that this committee should not even exist, and yet he is now going to take his place on it. He has, throughout his career made unjust, unfounded and insulting comments about women and those women who seek equality (feminists). Last year Mr Davies shocked many when he said more women should be sent to prison in order to achieve equality with men. He has said that disabled people should earn less than others.

It is a sad reflection on the Conservative Party that they could not propose a more suitable candidate. This makes a mockery of the committee and of us all. Yes, very recently Mr Davies has spoken about the gender pay gap. I wonder why he has done that just before this position came up?

Jennifer Jones

Women’s Officer – Shipley CLP 30 Dec 2016