Labour MEP calls on Gordon Brown to ensure women get the top posts in the EU - 2009-03-08

Today, on International Women's Day, Glenis Willmott, Labour's Leader in Europe, is calling on Gordon Brown to ensure that at least one of the three top EU jobs will be filled by a woman. The three high-level posts of President of the European Commission, President of the European Parliament and High Representative/Secretary General of the European Council are looking for candidates in 2009.

Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in Europe, said: "The three top EU posts are up for grabs in 2009. I want to see more women considered for these posts which are traditionally dominated by men and I am calling on Gordon Brown to use his influence to ensure that one of those jobs will be filled by a woman."

Glenis Willmott MEP added: "I also would like to highlight the glaring under-representation of women in the European Parliament. While Labour is represented by over 40% female MEPs in Brussels, the British Tory MEPs only managed to include 1 female MEP in their 27 MEP strong group which adds up to a representation of 3%. UKIP could not find a single woman to represent them in the European Parliament."

"Labour has taken action to address under representation of woman in politics and I am pleased that half of our candidates for the European Parliament elections this June are women. We have managed to draw together a very strong team." said Glenis Willmott MEP.

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