MORE women should get involved in local politics to improve the decision-making processes according to Lisa Turner, newly elected women’s officer for Warrington South Constituency Labour Party.
Lisa is being backed by former MP for Warrington South Faisal Rashid, Chair of the Warrington South Constituency Labour Party.
Lisa said: “I see a key part of the role as working to recruit more female members and encouraging and supporting activism,” said Mrs Turner who is a principal policy officer with Manchester City Council.
“Working towards success in local elections and general elections will have the greatest impact on improving women’s lives.
“Equality, and particularly gender equality, are important to me from a moral perspective. I believe that active political engagement is the best way to work towards addressing some of the key issues.”
Mrs Turner, who lives in Thelwall with her husband, David, and two daughters, has decided to become more involved in local politics herself after her father, Jon, died of Covid-19 last year.
“I got my political education from my dad and we all miss him terribly,” she added.
“Covid-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of society, from health to home life, to education and employment and the cost of living.
“The pandemic and preventative measures have highlighted society’s reliance on women and the inequalities they face with the disproportionate impact on women working from home and childcare provision.
“In addition, there is the disproportionate number of women working in key worker areas such as health and social care and childcare and the unpaid and hidden care work within the family that mean gender equality has never been more important.
“There were already existing social issues about online safety, violence against girls and women and the gender pay gap that we need to address.”
Former MP Faisal Rashid, who is the chairman of the Warrington South CLP, congratulated Mrs Turner on her new role.
“It is always heartening when new people get involved in local politics with lots of energy and enthusiasm and fresh ideas,” he said. “Lisa is already talking about how we can best mark International Women’s Day on March 8 and I know she is going to be a big success as women’s officer.”
