The Tory leader risks the wrath of his MPs by pledging to give a third of senior government jobs to females. David Cameron has pledged to give a third of jobs in his first government to women in a highly controversial plan that risks infuriating male MPs. The Tory leader wants to ensure female politicians are not mere 'window dressing' but can influence decisions affecting women's lives. However, angry MPs warned the idea risks denying talented male candidates promotion while less able women leapfrog them. On the party's current course it may get around 55 women into parliament, leaving fewer than two female MPs competing for each of 36 frontbench posts and almost four men scrapping over each of the remaining jobs. Cameron is prepared for a fight, with one aide warning that if men are upset by the plan 'then so be it'. The Tory leader believes women ministers will devise policies that matter to female voters, such as proposals for working mothers to be outlined later this month. However, rebels said the plan could backfire against women if they were not seen as making it on merit.
The Guardian