A report said that women had been selected as Conservative party candidates in only 2 out of the party's top 20 target seats. Changes in the candidate selection process had made a 'slight' difference, and 20 per cent of candidates overall were women. But in the bottom 20 seats - those where the Conservatives had to achieve a very large swing to win - 7 were women.
Source: Conservative Candidates Where are the Women?, Fawcett Society (020 7253 2598)
Links: Report (pdf) | Fawcett Society press release (pdf)
Date: 2003-Dec
An article found that the 'acrimony' against positive actions for increasing the number of women Assembly Members in the Wales Labour Party was still in evidence in the reselection procedures for the 2003 elections. Although women in other parties in Wales had not lost ground there was only some minor improvement in the Conservative Party, and little evidence of impact of the Sex Discrimination (Election of Candidates) Act 2002.
Source: Julia Edwards and Christine Chapman, 'Women's political representation in the National Assembly for Wales', Contemporary Politics, Volume 9 Number 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2003-Dec
A paper discussed the importance of a large and active political party membership for the long-term health of the democratic process. It argued that parties should reconsider their definition of membership and introduce registered supporter schemes to operate alongside membership schemes.
Source: Broadening Participation: Thinking beyond party membership, New Politics Network (020 7278 4443)
Links: Summary
Date: 2003-Nov
A report recommended a cap on donations to political parties; the introduction of a system of registered supporters or matched funding for small donations; and a significant reduction in the amount of money parties were able to spend at a national level, combined with an increase in the amount they could spend locally (with a 50 per cent rebate for money spent in a constituency).
Source: Strong Parties, Clean Politics, New Politics Network (020 7278 4443)
Links: NPN homepage
Date: 2003-Apr
The Electoral Commission began consultation on the funding of political parties and the capping of political donations. It said that, despite new controls on campaign spending and donations introduced in 2000, there was continuing public concern over party funding and the possible influence of large donors.
Source: The Funding of Political Parties, Electoral Commission (020 7271 0500)
Links: Consultation paper (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2003-Apr
The Electoral Commission began consultation on the new framework controlling the registration and finances of political parties, organisations and individuals involved in the political process. It asked whether there should be similar regulations on campaigning organisations and think tanks to those required of political parties.
Source: Review of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, Electoral Commission (020 7271 0500)
Links: Consultation Document (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2003-Jan