2009/04/01 by Sarah Childs, SARAH CHILDS, Paul Webb +3
Social Sciences · #Diversity (politics) #Gender Politics and Representation #Law #Meritocracy #Political and Economic history of UK and US #Political economy #Political science #Public administration #Selection (genetic algorithm) #Social Policy and Reform Studies #Sociology
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1467-923x.2009.01979.x
openalex publication_date 2009/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Under David Cameron's leadership reforms have been made to the Conservative party's parliamentary selection procedures and distinct women's policy initiatives have been developed. This article, based on focus group data with party members, explores attitudes towards measures designed to recruit more women Conservative MPs. Broadly, we find that, despite widespread support for the principle of greater social diversity among PPCs, members are uncomfortable with the specific measures that have been introduced. This is largely on the grounds that anything approaching ‘positive discrimination’ should be eschewed in favour of the ‘meritocratic’ selection of candidates. Further, the members tend to resent central party ‘interference’ in what has traditionally been the domain of local Constituency Associations.