WOMEN across South Gloucestershire are being encouraged to consider standing for election next year as part of the centenary celebrations of women gaining the right to vote.

The call for more female candidates for the 2019 South Gloucestershire Council elections comes from the Thornbury and Yate Conservative Association, with support from MP Luke Hall.

South Gloucestershire will see an out all out elections in May next year where residents will be asked to elect 20 councillors from seven wards within the Thornbury, Yate and surrounding areas – one third of the entire local authority.

Whilst female representation on the council is relatively strong, standing at around 35 per cent, Conservatives are encouraging more woman to come forward to stand for the party in next year’s contest to see what a difference they may be able to make for their communities.

Cllr Marin Lewis who represents Wickwar, Rangeworthy and the central villages said: “What is it that holds women back from taking a more active part in government?

“There is so much to be done to improve our local services, improve our neighbourhoods, bring communities together and ensure that everyone is included.

“The parish councils in our villages have a more or less equal balance of women and men, but it would be excellent to see more women come forward for the South Gloucestershire Council elections in 2019. We struggled for the right to vote. Now let’s actually take part in the governing.”

Cllr Rachael Hunt, who represents Emersons Green on the council, urged women to “use their voice and hard-earned right to represent their local area as a candidate.

“The voice of women is crucial in presenting a different perspective and approach in local government decisions,” she said.

SGC leader Cllr Matthew Riddle added: “We are fortunate here in South Gloucestershire that we have a strong balance of both male and female representation on the Council but I am pleased to see local conservatives stepping up and taking the lead in encouraging even more woman to stand and get involved in local politics by standing for election in 2019.”

If you would like to find out more information on what is involved in standing for election, the role of a councillor or would like to become involved in local politics then please contact South Gloucestershire Conservatives at southglostories@btconnect.com or 01454 312 065.