DEAR Editor – The Mail on Sunday recently published an article asserting that due to her working-class background, Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, is unable to tackle the Prime Minister’s Etonian debating skills, and that instead she has to resort to some form of sexual deceit to put the PM “off his stride”.

According to the paper’s sources, it is of course inconceivable that she is able to defeat the prime minister in debate using her intelligence.

The nation’s media has a track record of this form of misogyny.

Jacqui Smith, the first woman Home Secretary, was criticised for showing some cleavage, only visible from the gallery in the House of Commons.

Theresa May, the then home secretary, was also criticised for baring a bit of décolletage.

To add some context, The Sunday Times has recently reported that as many as 56 MPs are under investigation for sexual misconduct.

Earlier this year, Cllr Marjory Bisset argued that “many women feel intimidated when speaking in the council chambers, because the city council is dominated by men”.

Cllr Louise Griffiths, in her valedictory speech to Worcester City Council in March this year, asserted that she had “watched people across the chamber – usually women – being bullied for their views”.

Women councillors have been told to expect “sharp” interchange rather than reasoned debate for far too long.

Malala Yousufzai told us “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women.” 

The UN has found that better decisions are made when women are involved, citing childcare and drinking water projects in Norway and India as prime examples.

Of course, women have a better understanding of women’s priorities, including VAWG, women’s health, and the impact of issues relating to women’s work, finances and equality.

Women councillors working together have been instrumental in Worcester City Council approving a menopause policy last December, and appointing our first Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion champion in March.

There is evidence to suggest that the electorate regard institutions like the city council as fairer and more democratic when there is gender equality.

Despite making up 50 per cent of the city’s population, only 34 per cent of our councillors are women and of the four directors, only one is a woman.

Worcester deserves a council that represents and celebrates the diversity of the city’s population, ensuring everyone is included in the services we deliver. Women from across the political divide have a role in delivering fairness and inclusion and men must work with us.

Reasonable adjustments still need to be made to ensure equal representation at the top table, that our committee chairs reflect our diversity, disabled councillors are supported, and that our code of conduct addresses sexism and discrimination. 

Mel Allcott, Councillor for Claines Ward

Marjory Bisset, Councillor for St Stephen Ward

Jenny Barnes, Councillor for Arboretum Ward

Lynn Denham, Councillor for Cathedral Ward

Louise Griffiths, Councillor for Battenhall Ward

Jo Hodges, Councillor for Warndon Ward

Karen Lawrence, Councillor for Claines Ward

Karen Lewing, Councillor for Arboretum Ward

Robyn Norfolk, Councillor for St John Ward