Why did you come forward for election?
I wanted to make a difference; I felt that we had no voice in our deeply rural area.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
Very.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
Nothing much, I was already well known in my community, at the time there wasn’t much of a process, however nowadays we have to sign various forms.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Getting around my area to deliver leaflets, it’s a very large area and very rural.

How could this be made easier?
More help, but I realise it isn’t there. I couldn’t do it without my friends and family.

What support did you get and from whom?
Friends and family they are amazing.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I don’t, find it highly embarrassing.

What did you like least?
Canvassing.

What would you do differently?
It seems to work; I’ve been re elected a few times.

After your election what would you like to achieve through your office?
I will always give 100% to my residents and Devon.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
It is harder for women, the children do lose out, my own children are used to it but they have had times when I’m not around for birthdays and special events, I’m out every evening at Parish council meetings so I wasn’t at home to put them to bed when they were younger.

There isn’t one thing I could specify that would make it easier for women, Devon County Council have been very good at paying for childcare and my colleagues from all parties have been very accommodating when I’ve had to bring the children with me.
It is a real shame there aren’t more women standing for election, certainly I would emphasise that the other women who do get elected are in the main very supportive of each other.


Devon County Councillor for Combe Martin Rural Division

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Waste

Why did you come forward for election?
Years of shouting at the television when politicians lied, twisted truths and avoided answering questions plus realising that there was no reason why I, a middle-aged woman, should not take part actively, led me, literally, to get off the sofa and put my hand up to be selected by my local party. I am motivated by wanting more integrity in politics because without that, how are we to make the best decisions on behalf of others?

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
It was extremely easy to be selected because my party actively nurtures and promotes participation from all its members. There is an excellent support network of people across the UK who are on the end of a phone for any number of queries.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
The first step to becoming a parliamentary candidate was to attend a day-long workshop and take part in some exercises to evaluate my skills and suitability as an MP. It was a brilliant day; I met a broad range of diverse people and felt really fired up about campaigning for change locally and nationally.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Believing in myself. I’ve done a lot of performance in my life (singing) and in my work (communications). People consider me confident. It took over 25 years, however, of being politically aware for me to dispense once and for all with a nagging feeling of not being ‘worthy’ or clever enough. If I could go back in time and speak to myself, I’d say ‘stop doubting yourself and stand up for what you believe; people may not agree but if you’re honest and passionate they will listen.’

How could this be made easier?
The biggest practical barrier for any parliamentary candidate is money and time. My party does not have the resources of the Labour and Conservative parties and we have no ‘safe’ seats. Therefore the process of becoming a candidate can only really be made easier by the candidate themselves investing time over a long period, being active in the community, networking and making friends. Candidates have to be campaignable for!

What support did you get and from whom?
I made friends for life when I stood for East Devon including one wonderful woman Eleanor Rylance who has just completed her own assessment day and is now an approved candidate. The support from volunteers and activists was phenomenal. I hope I never forget the hustings where my agent’s wife, Mary Schlick, despite severe Parkinson’s, stood to deliver a blistering point about education and helped me answer a question.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
Being reminded of the real world is the best and most thought-provoking part of canvassing. The things people say about their lives is privileged information and their experiences are precious. It’s humbling being on the door-step. I love hearing what people think even if they are entirely opposed to my own principles and policies.

What did you like least?
Meeting people who say they don’t care about politics drives me crazy. In this country where we have the NHS (for now), it’s so important that people realise that if they don’t get interested they might find too late that all sorts of things, rights and opportunities that they value are gone for ever……. (shh… who said EU subsidies…)

What would you do differently?
More fund-raising…more telephoning… more talking…more door-stepping and lots more organisation. Four weeks was not enough!

What support did you have?
I had a core team of expert writers, local councillors and politically passionate residents who were prepared to come out in all weathers to shove leaflets through doors, run street stalls and manage social media initiatives. I miss them!

If elected what would you like to achieve through your office?
Fighting people’s battles. When I think about being a member of parliament, the image I have is being able to act on a personal level to advocate for individual residents and on a general level promoting the needs and aspirations of my constituency. I would love to play a part in working towards a more equitable and just society where your post-code at birth does not predict your income and your place in the world.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
The more woman stand, the more women will stand. The more normal it is to see female names at the ballot box, the more will come forward. We have, however, a very simple problem. The only people who can take part in politics are those with time and/or money. Even those few women who have both are often intimidated by the attack-dog style of contemporary politics. I hear women saying they’re not cut out for political life because it is so aggressive. What can we do? One hypothesis I have is this - we will only change the tone of politics when we change the voting system. First-past-the-post brings out the worst in people. People are far more likely to indulge in abusive behaviour when they are fighting over the one vote that might get them elected. There’s an air of desperation that triggers some pretty awful behaviours as I know personally having had to involve local police on occasion. I’d be interested to look at the experience of female politicians in countries where there are more proportional systems of representation and see if there are any differences both in their experience and in the ratio of male/female politicians.

It’s not just about women though – our current set of MPs are nowhere close to being a mirror of the population in terms of health, disability, age, income, gender, sexuality and ethnicity. We are a diverse people and there’s work to be done to have those voices heard! Time to get off the sofa, join a party and take action!

Local/ District Councillor Teignmouth and Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrats in East Devon 2017

Why did you come forward for election?
I didn’t want to be the person who is always moaning about the way life is, I wanted to be the person who did something about it!

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
My party was really supportive, so it wasn’t hard, just terrifying.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
You have a pre-selection “interview” to make sure you’re suitable, then you have to give a 5 minute talk followed by 5 minutes of answering questions in front of the branch members of the area you want to stand in.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Speaking in front of the branch members and answering questions. By this stage, I really wanted it, so that made it even more nerve-wracking.

How could this be made easier?
I think this is a skill that you can only really gain by experience. During this part, fortunately it’s a friendly audience, which helps.

What support did you get and from whom?
The local Labour party and particularly my branch (which included my predecessor, my campaign organiser and 3 City Councillors). They encouraged, supported and answered questions.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I loved canvassing. Meeting such a wide variety of people and hearing so many views and opinions. If someone says they’ll vote for you after a chat, it’s an amazing feeling.

What did you like least?
Election day itself, it’s such a long day and exhausting. Then the count, you don’t quite realise how invested you’ve become until that point. Then you realise that if you lose, you’ll probably cry!

What would you do differently?
I don’t think there’s anything.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
I was lucky enough to get elected. I’d like to help those who need it the most in my communities.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
I honestly don’t know how to answer, I’m in a group of 7 Labour County Councillors and 6 of us are women!

Devon County Councillor for Wonford & St Loyes Exeter

(I’m responding to this as a candidate for the (a) general election or (b) local election – where there is a difference in response see separate answers as indicated.)

Why did you come forward for election?
(a) Because I felt ready to challenge other candidates at national level politics
(b) For many years I have been involved with community and environmental groups that have sought public representatives that understand their issues and can use their vote to support measures and policies for greater social and environmental benefit. When a local by-election was called I was asked by my local Green Party to stand and I won.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
I had to be formally nominated and selected. It was all very fair and actively encouraged all local members to consider nomination.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
A formal selection process with nomination, seconding by local members and a hustings for local members was held which selected me as the candidate.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
It wasn’t difficult, everyone in my party was very supportive and encouraging. However the intense period in the weeks leading up to the election, required me to be out knocking on doors and delivering leaflets, attending hustings and attending to press releases which is quite daunting and sheer hard work.

How could this be made easier?
Having larger teams of support workers.

What support did you get and from whom?
My local party, supporters of green politics and friends were of enormous help and support

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I enjoy having conversations with local people an finding out about their issues, especially when I can offer real help in the form of some information I may have that helps them to understand an issue better or where they can get assistance they may need. It feels good to be able to help local residents.

What did you like least?
The rare occasion when people are abusive or unnecessarily rude.

What would you do differently?
Start the election campaign earlier to have more time to reach people.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
(a) I wasn’t elected
(b) As a Green Councillor on all three local tiers of government I hope to bring green party based policies and influence into local decision making as I believe the Green Party offers a strong framework for good and fair and sustainable governance at all levels of politics.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
I believe the vote should be given to sixteen year olds to get more young people and particularly young women believing from an early age that politics can make a difference, that they do have something important to contribute and they are electable, and that there is support from other women who are having a substantial influence on politics at all levels.

Devon County Councillor for Totnes and Dartington.

Why did you come forward for election?
For me, there was a happy coincidence of timing in that the council elections came along just
when I felt a need to seek fresh opportunities and purpose for my life, being an age where my
children were leaving home and retirement was on the horizon.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
The difficult part was putting my name forward in the first place. Once I had done that, I had good support especially from my party’s Women’s Officer.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I had to complete an application form, and then had an interview with a panel from my party. After that I had to give a short speech and answer questions to be selected by party members from the Divisions where I was interested in standing. I was not selected in the first Division I tried for but was selected at the second attempt. I felt I did learn a lot from this process and definitely felt my speech and presentation was much better second time around.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
I think the most difficult part of the process was putting my name forward in the first place. I did not feel I was a well-known member of my local party and I had no previous experience of elected office. I felt quite nervous at this stage and unsure of the reaction I would receive. It was not until I was selected to stand that my confidence in my own abilities and suitability for the role grew.

How could this be made easier?
The opportunity to talk informally with another woman who had been through the process recently would have helped me to have more confidence that I was a good candidate at an earlier stage in the process.

What support did you get and from whom?
My party has a Women’s Officer, and she was a great support once my name was in the list of possible candidates. She and a couple of other women in the party encouraged me to believe in myself when my confidence wobbled going through the application process. 10. Prior to selection my support came mainly from other women within my party. Once I was selected, I had strong support from my fellow canvassers and local party members within my Division.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I had hardly done any canvassing when I started my campaign and the thought of knocking on doors was daunting. As soon as I started doing it, however, I found that I loved speaking to people and being part of a team of like-minded local party members speaking to residents in our neighbourhood has been a joy.

What did you like least?
Very occasionally I have encountered rudeness or an extremely challenging conversation on the doorstep. These occasions are very rare, however, and do not detract from the overall positive experience of canvassing.
What would you do differently?
I am not sure I would do anything differently. I have gained enormously in self-belief and confidence from the process and feel I can now take that forward into any future opportunities that arise. I know I can now start any future campaign from a very different place to where I was when I started this process as a first-time candidate.

After your election what would you like to achieve through your office?
First and foremost, I want to be a good local councillor who listens and responds to concerns from my residents, and who stands up for their interests. My party is in the minority on my council, and I therefore also want to do what I can to ensure my party’s priorities are put forward as this is the mandate on which I was elected.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Networking, woman to woman mentoring, training and mutual encouragement are all vital in encouraging women to believe in themselves and to come forward for elected office.

Devon County Councillor for St David’s and Haven Banks Exeter

Why did you come forward for election?
I stood for election in 2015 and again in 2017 as I want to see more women in parliament. I also want to see more people who are representative of their constituencies rather than ‘the privileged classes’ who have dominated parliament through history.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
I stood for the Labour Party as I am a member and they represent my views. In 2013 the Labour Party put out a call for candidates to stand ready for the next General Election.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I was called to a selection interview after submitting a written application; I then had a hustings against another candidate who wanted to stand.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
It is nerve racking and you have to think on your feet in all hustings as a question on any topic can be put forward. In 2015 I also stood for the Town Council and was duly elected. I was nominated as Mayor by another General Election candidate elected on to the council. My honourable campaign was cited and I was delighted to serve as Mayor for two terms. I was automatically selected for the snap 2017 General Election having been approved by the Labour National Executive Committee and the South West Regional Labour Party Office

How could this be made easier?
The process Of becoming a candidate was straightforward. The Labour Party offered some good training for female candidates in London at the end of 2013 as part of their drive to have more women as MPs.

What support did you get and from whom?
I was well supported once again by the Constituency Labour Party, family and friends. In the 2017 election I had more emails about keeping the fox hunting ban than any other topic. Since the summer of 2015 the constituency Labour Party has grown from under 200 members to over 700 members. In our constituency about 55% of the membership is women. We now have an equal number of women in executive positions and non-executive positions in our CLP

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I enjoyed canvassing and attending hustings; it is a good way of hearing what people want, deepening my understanding on local issues and community concerns as well as being able to put forward my election promises and the Labour Party manifesto.

What did you like least?
Like a number of perspective parliamentary candidates in the last General Election I suffered some media abuse and was subjected to false and inaccurate allegations. Unless this is addressed ordinary people who have a passion for serving their communities will not put themselves forward, this will impact on women more.

What would you do differently?
Have the confidence to stand up to bullies and also the media who print things about candidates without even speaking to them, or contacting them or even checking the facts.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
If I was elected I would have fought harder to save local hospitals in the constituency. More needs to be done for mental health services, youth services and better funding for education; children are our future.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Last summer I raised funds to restore the portrait of Juanita Maxwell Phillips an inspirational suffragette who served as the first female town mayor 11 times, was the first women elected on to Devon County Council and is responsible for the social housing and free open access to our playing field, All Hallows. She advocated for women including birth control (quite a stance between the wars in the early half of the last century), social housing, sanitation and play areas for children. Her portrait hangs outside the room used for Town Council meetings at The Beehive allowing her to watch over us.

I continue to serve as a Town Councillor and as the constituency’s Women’s Officer for the Labour Party alongside a full time career in teaching as a SENDCo.

Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party in Tiverton and Honiton

Why did you come forward for election?
I came forward for election because I was asked to consider it. I was nursing (2007) and extremely fed up with the dirty wards, the high levels of MRSA & C-Diff infections, over “managed” NHS and disorganised running of the NHS in general. There was so much waste & paperwork. I could go on …

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
I was selected by the local Conservative Association. It was not an easy process because I was not experienced at all in Politics.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I had to fill in a bit of back-ground information about myself & then talk for 5 minutes about what my aims & ambitions were. The form was succinct & comprehensive so that the members who were going to vote did have access to know quite a bit about me! 5 minutes is a long time.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
The most difficult was the reaction of the candidates (male and female) who failed where I succeeded. I was selected fair & square on my ability. It was unfortunate to see the reaction of the others … but it was a fair & robust process & I won.

How could this be made easier?
I don’t think our process could be made much easier. You are briefed on what you must do & given reasonable advanced warning. I didn’t find it traumatic though I don’t like talking about myself particularly & I had to “sell myself”. Only I could do it!

What support did you get and from whom?
I had support from my husband & was amazed how many people offered to help me. I receive much more support now that I am established, people from all walks of life & from other political areas.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I liked walking my patch … getting to know my area, meeting people & listening to their issues. It was interesting when people would tell be to go away because they wouldn’t vote Conservative … only for them to listen to me & my views & say that to their amazement they would vote for me! (This is not always the case, but if residents are so rude I am glad that I can walk away & leave them in their rudeness).

What did you like least?
I didn’t like getting cold and wet. When it was sunny and warm it was very frustrating smelling all the BBQ’s & all I wanted was to go home, have a shower & a nice cup of tea!

What would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do much more differently. I walk my patch & I like to keep in touch with my residents all the time really.

What support did you have?
I had support from so many people, some were amazing help. They voted for me & I helped them & lots of really lovely residents actually approached me & offered to deliver leaflets. It was very nice, though humbling.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
I have been elected and I have achieved a good deal. I have set up a litter picking group which has been running for over 7 years & is now managed by others, plus there are now more children & families supporting the group. I have made my area look more in-keeping for a World Heritage Site, having culled repetitive roads signs, untidy street furniture. I asked Western Power & Scottish Southern Electric for funds to clean lampposts & street furniture. I have used my locality budget to smarten our town plus being able to support so many good causes. I have helped homeless, domestic violated residents. Helped with health & social care issues, planning, highway issues. No day is ever the same. I like the variety and similar to Nursing, I like to help people.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
I don’t know how you need or can get more women to stand. I would not have stood for election when my children were little. My father was a local councillor & he was out so much during my childhood, that I would never have considered doing it when my children were little. I had to work part time as a registered nurse & that involved shift work … my children were messed about enough with my shift work. Being a councillor takes many hours a week if you are going to do it well. I think if you notice a woman (or a man actually) who is really interested in their community, then you just ask if they would be interested in becoming a councillor. I am glad that I have achieved what I have because of my merit, not my gender.

Tavistock Electoral Area. Gulworthy & Tavistock Parishes

Why did you come forward for election?
I came forward for the May County Council elections in 2017 because the timing for me was right. For the first time in my life I had no one to care for. My husband had died; my children were married and living away so I was not in a position to be a regular, hands on grandmother. I have been a Labour Party member most of my adult life and had regularly found myself campaigning on many issues.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
The Exeter divisions for Devon County Council were up for selection and the woman’s officer of the Exeter Labour Party encouraged me to stand. She gave me good advice and eased me through the process.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I attended a selection panel and then the branch meeting of the Division I was interested in representing. I gave my presentation and was selected. It was fairly straightforward.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
I found it difficult to keep my presentation to time and get across what I felt they ought to know so as to encourage them to select me.

How could this be made easier?
Not sure it should be easier! It was straightforward but challenging, which is no bad thing and good preparation for the future.

What support did you get and from whom?
The people involved in the process where friendly and positive both the initial panel selecting me as a candidate and the branch who eventually chose me.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
Branch members came canvassing with me. They were very helpful in inducting me and I enjoyed the experience (mostly: except when it rained) meeting my prospective constituents. It was a great thrill to be elected by them.

What did you like least?
The election count was one of the most nerve wracking experiences of my life but exhilarating when I realised I had been elected.

What would you do differently?
I found the whole process a positive one and am happy with the way it was conducted.

What support did you have?
There were 6 of us standing who were all newly selected candidates and all women. We were very supportive of each other.

Now elected what would you like to achieve through your office?
I am enjoying doing the job of Councillor. It feels as if I am adding social value, supporting my constituents in the community and engaging in making a difference at local level in the area of health, social care and well being.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
As a woman I want to encourage more women to stand as councillors, to help them build up the confidence to see that they have the skills to do it, mentoring them to take that step.

Devon County Councillor for Pinhoe and Mincinglake Exeter.

Why did you come forward for election?
It was never really a plan of mine. I was happy doing the backroom stuff and delivering leaflets. I was asked several times, and persuaded that I would be capable. I decided to pray about it and got people to pray about it as well. I worked hard getting the message out, and here I am a county Councillor!

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
Actually, for me it was really easy. I had been a long time supporter of the Conservative Party, so they already knew about my commitment.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I was interviewed by the Chairman of the local party. She explained to me what I had to do in regards to completing the nomination papers.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
For me, it was asking people to sign the nomination form. I didn’t want to put anyone in an awkward position. Thankfully, they all signed.

How could this be made easier?
I don’t think it can. It is a simple enough process.

What support did you get and from whom?
The party Chairman was a great support, emotionally and practically. A lot of people from church were supportive and helped delivering my leaflets.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
It was much easier canvassing for myself, than for another person. It made conversations much easier.

What did you like least?
It was exhausting covering a large rural area. I would start earlier another time.

What would you do differently?
I would put out more than one leaflet. I would also start months in advance with some surveys.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
I am hoping to achieve the best that I can for the people of Bideford east Division, regardless of whether they voted for me or not.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Role modelling is a good way. I found it quite daunting on my first day at County Hall, as women are very much in the minority. Now, after a few months, I feel that I have found my feet and I would encourage other women to come forward.

Devon County Councillor for Bideford East Division

Why did you come forward for election?
I believe that it’s so important for Parliament to be more representative of the country itself. There are far too few women, and even fewer disabled people so I wanted to show that candidates can be more representative of their communities, and also that politicians can do far more to ensure that people without a voice are heard in Westminster. Besides all that, I thought I could do a better job than the sitting MP who has a terrible reputation for ignoring constituents and being lobby-fodder for the Conservative party, often voting against the interests of our local area.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
Unusually easy for the snap election! Originally I applied for the seat and was unsuccessful for the 2015 General Election. For the snap election in 2017 the constituency found themselves without a candidate quite close to the election, so the central party asked me to step in. I think this was based on the fact that I was local and had been active in the party for a long time, but also because I had been on the Lib Dems “Leadership Programme” previously. This was a project to increase the number of talented, diverse candidates in the party.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
The Lib Dem process is pretty good in that it’s all about a skills-based assessment rather than patronage and “who you know”. Everyone is judged by the same criteria which makes it much more inclusive.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
I think for me it was the fact that I had to find some time to go to London to do an approval day. Getting to London by train is pretty expensive, and I remember that I had to set off really early because the route is notorious in terms of getting delayed.

How could this be made easier?
This would be made so much easier by having regional approval days. The Lib Dems do operate these, but they are often oversubscribed and difficult to get organised in a rush so I’d like to see them do more as they will be more accessible for everyone.

What support did you get and from whom?
I’ve been really lucky in that I’ve had support from the Lib Dem Campaign for Gender Balance previously, and also was allocated a mentor who was an existing MP as part of the Leadership Programme. Baroness Sal Brinton, the Lib Dem President has been a particular support and has been a great source of advice and encouragement over the years.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
Part of the reason that I want to be an MP in my local area rather than looking for seats anywhere and everywhere is that I love where I live. I love the community and it was an honour to be considered to be their MP. Listening to people’s opinions and life stories was a really great part of the election, and I particularly enjoyed talking to different groups and hearing their experiences, like farmers and faith groups.

What did you like least?
The area where I stood has a particularly nasty group of male opposition Councillors. I was accused of being a “terrorist sympathiser” and mocked for being disabled at every occasion, but they didn’t realise that their taunts and slurs just spurred me on! They are terrible representatives of our community, and give Conservatives a bad name.

What would you do differently?
By the time I became the candidate, the election was very close at hand and I didn’t get to spend nearly as much time as I wanted to on the doorstep or meeting people and talking about why I wanted to be their MP and listening to the issues that they faced. I would have a much longer campaign next time and meet as many people as I could.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
From back when I was the youngest Councillor on a local authority, to standing for Parliament I have wanted to do two things 1) make life better for people where I live by giving them the tools to get on in life – from a decent education, right through to looking after our elderly and sick and treating them with dignity, and 2) show that people like me can be politicians. I want to help people realise that decisions in our country should be made by people who are reflective of our country.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Ask them!
We should look around our communities and encourage people to take part. We should mentor them so that they don’t feel like it’s a lonely or scary existence and importantly we should support them practically, whether that’s looking after their kids for a night or driving them around to appointments so that they have the time to think or rest for 10 minutes, it will all help.

Parliamentary Candidate for Newton Abbot

Why did you come forward for election?
Because it became very clear on the night of June 23rd 2016 that shouting at the television just wasn’t having enough effect, and that I had to be the change I want to see or it would never happen.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
It was relatively easy – I had a lot of the experience and qualities they were looking for in candidates before I applied.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I had to apply to be put forward for approval and then attend an approval day where I was tested on six competencies in several different exercises, interviews and written tests.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
I didn’t enjoy the group exercise, which felt a bit like being on an episode of the apprentice! Learning all our policies took the most time.

How could this be made easier?
I think the selection process in the Lib Dems is fair and appropriately challenging. It wasn’t a difficult process, but it did require careful thought and preparation as well as some work on knowing the party and what it represents.

What support did you get and from whom?
I did it mainly on my own – I wasn’t aware at the time that the party’s Campaign for Gender Balance is enormously helpful to any woman in the party who wants to become a candidate! I have since discovered all the valuable help the CGB gives…

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I really enjoyed knocking on doors as you never know who is going to answer. You see a very expensive car in the drive, you make certain assumptions and then the person behind the door blows them all away! It’s fascinating. I also love debating politics, so when I met someone argumentative who didn’t agree with me I always viewed that as a great opportunity to practice my debating skills! Winning people with entrenched views over is hard, but I really enjoyed talking to those who were wavering and sometimes getting the feeling that I had convinced them to vote for me.

What did you like least?
Canvassing on my own a couple of times was quite hard going – I think it’s much better to have at least one other person with you so that when you get into a difficult conversation you can at least offload onto a friend afterwards! I don’t mind people having opposing views, but I do get frustrated with people who have entrenched views that they can’t defend – they just vote the way their newspaper tells them to without thinking it through for themselves. And I struggled with several women who said they had no idea but would vote the way their husband told them to. It’s hard to believe that is still happening!

What would you do differently?
I hope that next time I stand I’ll have a bit more notice – last year I was approved as a candidate and selected for a seat I knew little about less than six weeks before the election. There was no time to plan, we just had to dive straight in. So next time I would (hopefully be able to) do a lot more planning. I would find people who could help with tasks like making videos and answering emails. I was trying to do it all last year and I found there is only so long you can keep going on five hours sleep. If I could have Margaret Thatcher’s ability to survive on very little sleep that would help!

What would you like to achieve through your office?
I would like to do my bit to help create a more equal, just society in the UK. I am driven by the raging inequality in this country and the benefit that comes with privilege. Somehow or other we have to change things so that everyone has the opportunity to make a success of their life, regardless of their accent, name or colour of their skin. And I would like to be a great role model for girls, of course!

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
I have never been a fan of All Women Shortlists but I have now been convinced of their use in changing the status quo. As women politicians we need to encourage girls and young women to get involved in the debate and see that they have a place there. The more women who stand, the more normal it will seem to the next generation and hopefully, in 10 or 20 years, we won’t even need to talk about AWS.

Parliamentary Candidate for Southwest Devon

Why did you come forward for election?
I came forward for election in my fifties at a time when I had already had a good legal and marketing career. My mother was a nurse and my step-father was struggling with a heart condition which motivated me to ‘get involved’ and fight to make our health service the best it could be. I wanted to make a difference and give something back.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
The journey was an education in itself! They say you make your own luck and I guess I was lucky when David Cameron decided to establish a candidate list to bring more business women into parliament.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
Each party has it’s own selection process which changes for every election! Selection is never easy, and the key is to look at where there is the best match between what you have to offer and what the constituency wants and needs. My family roots are in Brixham in Devon so when Newton Abbot came up, I really felt the need to represent my local area.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
You need energy, enthusiasm and a pair of good walking shoes! You can take knocks and it’s important to remember that you can’t please all of the people all of the time, no matter how hard you try!

How could this be made easier?
The process isn’t easy which in turn ensures that only those with drive and passion to implement change and be accountable for decisions made by the Government are successful.

What support did you get and from whom?
The journey from member of the public to Member of Parliament is a time consuming and occasionally difficult journey. The support given by my family, close friends and allies proved invaluable as they spurred me on to keep going and believe that I could make a difference.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I thoroughly enjoy getting out and about, meeting the pubic, knocking on doors, getting involved in local groups and I care about fixing local problems. People want to be heard and if someone is willing to listen, understand and act on local issues then the public are right behind you.

What did you like least?
The main challenge is when meeting those with entrenched views who will not waver in their political beliefs making it rather difficult when trying to engage in political debate!

What would you do differently?
I wouldn’t have changed my journey into politics at all. The highs and lows of campaigning and electioneering stand you in good stead to face the turbulent life within Westminster.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
Helping small local businesses, fighting for our railway line with more investment in our infrastructure, I campaign tirelessly for fairer funding for education and health. I’m passionate about a rural model of health and social care which better meets our Devon needs.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
With the centenary of the Women’s Right to Vote this year, I believe that there is no better time for women to realise their potential and stand for what they believe is right and good. I engage with schools, colleges, Brownies and Guides to show that women and girls, with encouragement and guidance, can make a difference.

MP for Newton Abbot

Why did you come forward for election?
Through my volunteering work I have seen so many local people finding it difficult to cope. I want to strengthen services and communities so everyone can feel supported – so they can access what they need when they need it and no one feels isolated. Everyone should be enabled to be confident and to have high self-esteem. I feel I can make a difference and use my experiences I have had through bringing up a family, teaching, being a Chair of Governors and doing voluntary work. I have more time now that my children have reached adulthood so I can devote time to being a councillor. I was encouraged to stand by family, friends and the local Labour Party.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
I have been a Labour Party member for over 20 years. I have canvassed, done deliveries and supported the local constituency since I joined. Many people also know me locally through my voluntary work so if they wanted to select me I felt they might do so.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I had to fill in an application form, be interviewed and then selected by local members of the Labour Party in the electoral division where I wanted to stand. I had to speak at the selection meeting and answer questions. There were four other candidates and then it was put to a vote.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Filling in the application and writing a speech for the selection day. I am not a confident writer. It was not easy deciding if I have enough time to devote to being a councillor. Would I be any good at it? I wondered if I would cope with working again under pressure after so long bringing up children and only working part time.

How could this be made easier?
Being able to talk more to both experienced and new councillors plus those who are planning on standing for selection. Perhaps shadowing a councillor to find out what they do.

What support did you get and from whom?
I had lots of support from the local party and their women’s officer. I had encouragement from my family and sitting councillors. My family support what I am doing and encourage me. The local constituency and my ward hugely helped and continue to support me. I thank them all.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
When I began canvassing I realised it was not difficult to do and I enjoyed it. It is fun when you are in a team. I like to listen and help others. Being on the doorstep was not difficult for me.

What did you like least?
Being so tired. It is very time consuming. Knowing you will never get everything done.

What would you do differently?
I need to organise my time so that council work impacts less on my personal life and I have time to enjoy myself too.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
In May 2017 I was elected as a County Councillor. I want to scrutinise and improve services, such as education, social services and sustainable transport to improve life for local constituents. Everyone should have access to what they need and I hope to impact positively on their lives. I want to act as a voice for the community by listening to them and acting on their behalf.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Allowances need to be higher for councillors, at a level that enables women to stand. Councillors should be able to claim for their care expenses spent on giving them time to do admin work as well as for committee meetings. Councils should provide pensions for councillors.

Devon County Councillor for St Sidwells & St James, Exeter

Why did you come forward for election?
I felt it was very important to have credible local politically active women members of the Labour Party to put themselves forward to stand for selection in Plymouth Moor View. The last MP was a woman Alison Seabeck who worked very hard for the constituency locally and represented Plymouth nationally as she was on the defence select committee. As a leading woman councillor for the Labour Party in Plymouth and having stood before as a Parliamentary Candidate, I felt that I wanted to have another attempt and could hit the ground running.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
It was an unusual selection because it was a snap election, so the process was easier as it was CV only and references.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
Snap election, no time for interviews and hustings, application from only.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
The most difficult part was making the decision in the first place, really thinking about the impact the election campaign itself would have on your life and when you win, how it will change your life. It is key to be honest with yourself about what you can do and the help and support you will need, if a woman with children or caring responsibilities this has to be considered.

How could this be made easier?
In a normal selection process for the Labour Party, it would be helpful to have experienced mentors to help guide you through the different aspects of building your selection campaign .

What support did you get and from whom?
I had local support from friends and family plus key councillors. Once the campaign started there was a handful of key people for all aspects of the campaign, social media played a bigger role than ever before. A good local campaign team, some regional support and members from across the South West. It was important to have a couple of safe members of the team around you when things were getting stressful.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
Being a councillor, I campaign all year round and it is a key aspect of the job. In the last election, it is a real honour to have spoken to so many people and hear their stories. I also enjoyed hustings and being able to debate with the other candidates, I wish I had done more as it was a key strength, being a councillor, you can see the impact of national politics on local people. In addition, the Labour Party manifesto was so popular and the longer the campaign went on, more and more policies became key.

What did you like least?
Due to the brief time between the election being called and polling day, there was no time to reflect which would have been useful, long days meant you were always chasing time.

What would you do differently?
I would have sent more time using social media and preparing videos and press releases to really get the messages out.

If elected what would you like to achieve through your office?
I would have wanted to get a fair deal for Plymouth, as a city we are underfunded for health, public health, education, government grant, transport, every measure you can think of we are in the bottom quartile.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
By building a supportive network, more mentoring, more respect. It is also about financial support, especially if there is a caring responsibility to be covered. Women want to support women but there are never enough of us and resources are spread thinly.

Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Moor View

Why did you come forward for election?
After the loss of a by election, said I should have stood.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
Good preparation focused on my core beliefs were the important points.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
Presenting to a selection panel

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Keeping the massive nerves in my stomach under control and fighting to ensure I spoke coherently.

How could this be made easier?
Practice in public speaking and sticking to the key points.

What support did you get and from whom?
Masses of help from friends, work colleagues and family. There were lots of boots on the ground willing to deliver leaflets and plenty of wise heads with bags of advice on how to handle questions.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
Having the opportunity to look at the wonderful gardens people create and asking them what their priorities are.

What did you like least?
Physical things like, opening a gate, finding the front door and letter boxes sited at the bottom of the door. This was the same challenge I faced when I was a postie.

What would you do differently?
Started when I was younger as it is great fun working in local politics and you can make a difference.

What would you like to achieve through your office?
Representing all the people in the area, irrespective of their political persuasion to help with any problem they have.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Ask them to stand.

Devon County Councillor for Broadclyst

Why did you come forward for election?
I have been campaigning for 50:50 representation and for more women to become candidates in local and parliamentary elections for decades. I decided it was time to experience being a candidate and an elected representative myself. I could then use this to encourage and support others to come forward. I believe the best decisions are made when people from diverse perspectives which reflect our community participate in the decision making.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
I have been a Labour Party member most of my adult life. I could have come forward with only 6 months membership and some candidates did just that. The Labour party supports 50:50. With women only shortlists and has succeeded in getting more women into parliament and councillors as a result. I volunteered and was encouraged to apply by many.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
I had to be approved as a suitable candidate by a selection panel that asked questions about what I would do in certain situations if a constituent asked for my help. The process was friendly. Once approved I was able to put myself forward to local branches at a selection meeting. I went to the first selection process in Exeter and was selected to represent Alphington and Cowick. There were 2 women and 2 male candidates. I had to make a 5-minute speech and was asked questions for 5 minutes. There was a secret ballot of members present.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
Deciding to stand. Preparing for the selection meeting and giving the speech. I felt nervous. But I just spoke from the heart.

How could this be made easier?
The Labour party provides training sessions for prospective candidates on what to expect from the selection panel and the branch selection meeting. Advice was given on how to prepare by a very supportive women’s officer. This makes the process accessible. Support is essential.

What support did you get and from whom?
The party organiser was brilliant as were local members in my division who came our week after week to canvass. Ben Bradshaw our Labour M.P came out and canvassed a lot for me too. I got loads of support from the Labour Party – it was such fun canvassing and talking about politics with young people and seasoned campaigners as we canvassed.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
I loved meeting people on the doorsteps and talking to them. It is a privilege to knock on a stranger’s door ask them questions and listen. Or phone them.

What did you like least?
I can be tiring but its great for personal fitness. Very few people were rude.

What would you do differently?
I would have done it earlier in my life. It is fun and very interesting

What would you like to achieve through your office?
I would like to change the way we do politics in local government. It must be 50;50 or women’s views will always be less important than men’s. I want to make a difference to the lives of the people I represent and as the Conservatives run Devon County council hold them to account and keep asking questions and making suggestions to improve services

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
Support from political parties committed to achieving 50:50. Better allowances so you don’t miss out financially by being a councillor more contributions to the actual cost of caring responsibilities men and women have. Understanding that the council will give you a brilliant induction programme so you will learn the knowledge and skills to be an effective councillor. No experience is needed Coaching to help empower women with confidence to speak out. Change our culture so that men respect women and listen to what we have to say.

Devon County Councillor for Alphington and Cowick, Exeter

Why did you come forward for election?
Because I was campaigning to get things done/stop damaging things from happening in the area where I live and realised I needed to be a decision-maker to have a proper voice.

If in a party how easy was it for you to be selected by your party?
I am an Independent. There is no selection process for an Independent.

What was the process required for you to become a candidate?
Independents stand for election without either the backing or constraints of a party. I simply completed the required forms, within the required timeframe.

What was the most difficult part of the process?
One very frustrating aspect was not being entitled to an electoral register for the new areas of my ward until my application was submitted. This is a flaw in the system as the parties have automatic access to electoral registers at all times.

How could this be made easier?
By allowing existing Independent councillors access to electoral registers for new wards they are to campaign for, so they are not disadvantaged.

What support did you get and from whom?
I was very fortunate to have an experienced election agent and teams of people helping leaflet in most areas of the division.

What did you like about canvassing /persuading people to vote for you?
Door knocking: Meeting people, hearing about the issues and planning my courses of action to help.

What did you like least?
Going out in the cold or wet weather for hours at a time!

What would you do differently?
I’m not sure I would do anything differently.

If elected what would you like to achieve through your office?
To carry on the work, I have been doing since my election to Devon County Council in 2013, largely around trying to prevent the loss of local health services and improve environmental issues.

How can we get more women coming forward to stand?
By providing for paid childcare for meetings.... and importantly having election periods outside the Easter Holidays, which they almost always clash with!

Independent Parliamentary Candidate for East Devon and Independent Devon County Councillor for Otter Valley