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We have already witnessed the contribution that women like Margaret Beckett have made when in government. Having seen this, it explains why there is little public desire for the window dressing of incompetent female ministers appointed solely because of their gender. The likes of Beckett and Harman have done more to set back women's interests than any man could possibly do.

- M Miguel, Old Isleworth, 19/05/2010 17:44
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"I suppose that no one could ever say that Beckett slept her way to the top.

- Terry Barr, Ilford, Essex, 13/05/2010 13:54"


Nice one Tel!

- Steve, Brentford, 13/05/2010 16:46
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When a woman (LGBT, other) able for a particular role, is set aside to favour a man (Etonian, b*nker, other) less able (total b*nker, similar), Then we certainly should question the judgement of our (kindof)elected public servants.

Until then perhaps we should stop letting the opposition use us to undermine our one chance of real change by responding to their knee-jerk bait into whiffling back on about piffle.

It time for us to grow up too: accepting adult responsibility for fairness and freedom.

- helen, Reading, 13/05/2010 15:34
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Just as well. In all honesty if you do the study things started to go wrong when woman were given the vote. Of course not many woman. Should all be at home cleaning, cooking and tidying the house. FACT !

- Dr John, Huddersfield, 13/05/2010 15:27
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@ nickspurs

My education may not be as comprehensive as yours - having the ability to spot a minor grammatical error (that everyone makes from time to time) At least I can be assured that I am most prolific in my application of words and do not use words like "merits" to describe a makeshift government who are still in the process of hashing what they have already called a deal. Wonder what they will come up with. LOL

- morag, uk, 13/05/2010 15:17
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Beckett? =Defra cock-up...and loads more. She should return to her caravan holidays and forget politics. When women of character and calibre are available, by all means lets have them in politics; there have been several, but there have also been loads of useless ones, same as useless males also. They should stay well clear of politics.

- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK, 13/05/2010 14:58
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I'm going to caveat this comment by starting with the following

I fully agree that a meritocracy is the only sensible system and that "quotas" are a ridiculous concept which promote mediocrity

Whilst I do not politically agree with Margaret Beckett (indeed I believe she was marvellous at turning a 10 page simple document into a 100 page administrative nightmare)her main point is salient. As a woman, I am very disappointed that there are not more woman in not only top political jobs, but generally in high level jobs. I am not advocating for one minute that we use a quota system (see point 1 above) - the problem lies within the fact that the current "system" has been established for white oxbridge educated men, and is therefore to their benefit. Yes there has been legislation which has helped, but if you think that brings equality, then you're absolutely wrong. There is not such a great (or any) disparity between the intelligence of the two sexes that justifies the lack of women at the top. An yes of course more extremely bright people go to Oxbridge, but I've met my fair share of rich-but-thick people who have gone there too - it's amazing where an old school tie will get you!

I also think that we're kidding ourselves if we think that a meritocracy is already in operation - does everyone really think that those above them have been fairly promoted and are genuinely the best??

Not sure how we change the system however - turkey's don't vote for Christmas!

- Lauren, Manchester, 13/05/2010 14:22
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Margaret Moran
Hazel Blears
Tacky Smith
Margaret Beckett
Yvette Cooper
______________
Seems woman MPs are well represented in the list of Expenses Claimers despised by the electorate

- peter doff, filey uk, 13/05/2010 14:22
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I suppose that no one could ever say that Beckett slept her way to the top.

- Terry Barr, Ilford, Essex, 13/05/2010 13:54
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Edewkayshun, edewkayshun, edewkayshun!
13 years on, billions mispent, 100's of thousands of State educated children with no mastery of the basic 3 Rs, yet seem to believe that a well-paid job is theirs by some warped "devine right of subliteracy". 20 years ago, I ran a PC dealership in W London. We were asked by the Council to give jobs to some local kids. We had to reject about 70% of applicants because they were incapable of reading and understanding technical manuals, let alone articulating problems in a way which could be understood by others. 2 decades later, no improvement. Scores of FTSE 100 employers having to spend money teaching trainees how to write, spell, punctuate, use maths. Almost zero have any foreign language skills - I started French and Latin aged 8; German at 13. Compare UK lingustic skills with those in the EU. No matter what the maternal tongue, all speak excellent English and often a couple more languages as well - cf the Dutch, Belgians, Scandinavians, Greeks, Germans; less so the French, Spanish and Italians, but I can guarantee that virtually no one on this blog speaks their languages at all - bar enough to order a cup of coffer and pay the bill. Certainly not to the level of commercial negotiation.
When we are represented in the Council of Europe by Prescott, is it any wonder that fellow Europeans despair of the UK ever trying to raise its linguistic game?

- David Low, Cirencester, UK, 13/05/2010 13:37
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'Margaret Beckett blasts lack of women in coalition Cabinet'

Not really in a position to 'blast' anything these days are you dear.

Now go and get the kettle on if you think you can do it without making a complete abortion of it. There's a poppet.

- Jimbob, Kensington, 13/05/2010 13:31
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WE need the BEST person for the job male/female/gay/straight/etc. Quotas following political correct agendas just damage the country and jepodise our economic recovery.

The unoffical quota policy operated by Labour saw some stellar successes - Jaquie Smith and Harriet Harmon to aname but two.

For this critisism to come from Beckett is typical - Look at her record - useless in MAFF/DEFRA where she was responsible for the debacle of the Single Farm Payment and the Rural Payments Agency (which still does not work) and whoes proformance at the FO can charitably be describedas less than succesful.

- Jeremy E, Home Counties, 13/05/2010 13:25
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What a wonderfully apt description. It makes me sad knowing just HOW fitting it is.

"I never understood the corelation between a persons genitals and their aptitute except where you get a bunch of power hungry arrogant good-for-nothing polititians then there is an increased likelihood that they will make such distinctions to feed their ego and in their quest for power"

- ex-Londoner, Heidelberg, 13/05/2010 13:08
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@ - Janet, London, UK, 13/05/2010 12:33

"In the state system so many pupils who have something in them to be really developed are held back because of peer pressure and teachers doing them down. And Labour has upheld this because of its pathetic attitude"

You may be right in many ways, having worked in a secondary school, however one thing that can't be disguised is that schools become account via the transparency of league tables and Sats. Teachers never liked them because they became accountable to external bodies and parents.

The reality is nobody wants to be observed but some schools were simply getting away with it and then they couldn't, that can't be that bad.

As for teachers being limited and confined because of the curriculum well that doesn't stack up. I remember my teachers weren't creative they just undertook the curriculum, as prescribed, so that we could take our O levels.

Personally I thought the SATs etc were a good thing, schools became accountable for poor performance.

As for Mrs Beckett she does have a point, where are all the talented women? If they are not there then why not?

- Jamie, London, 13/05/2010 13:06
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Labour the bitter, bitter party. If Labour had taken women for their abilities and not just to make up the quotas, the equality project would have remained on track.

It is not lost on us that the bitter party was so lacking in talent that the government was made up of the unelectable. This is surprising given that with such an overwhelming majority they clearly didn’t have the experience pool from its MP’s.

Has anyone else noticed that when the bitter party is on TV, they always have a handpicked bunch of ‘noddies’ alongside them as if trying to convince that nodding heads means agreement.

- Ian B, Reading, 13/05/2010 12:58
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The cabinet should be picked on merit. End of story. It's not Cameron's fault that there aren't any Barbara Castles or Maggie Thatchers around. Most current women MPs are political lightweights - Theresa May included.

- Mark, Tunbridge Wells, 13/05/2010 12:55
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morag - it is "you are.." not "your".
no hope for you with Labour's legacy of declining standard of education.

- bingham macnamara, lymington, hampshire, 13/05/2010 12:48
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Morag, you must be a beneficiary of an excellent education under Labour. Perhaps you could look at your sentence lecturing someone on education and correct your mistaken grammar, if you can spot it?! Seems there are some bitter people about, what I can`t understand is you don`t need to be a Liberal, or a Conservative to see how inept the Blair babes were. Beckett, Harman, Blears, Cooper - thank god we are rid of them.

- nickspurs, London, 13/05/2010 12:46
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As a former Secondary school pupil, I don't begrudge the likes of Cameron having had a good education. It seems to me that Eton provides a very good curriculum, excellent extra-curricular activities, and an international outlook and understanding. What I do begrudge is Labour's silly class-war attitude on this as it is they who are denying such opportunities to ordinary working-class children.

It's not a question of money: it's a question of attitude. Instead of Labour continuously experimenting with our school system, all they have to do is take the Eton model and apply it across the board. The Eton attitude that everyone has something
in them to be developed would cater for those who are more technically orientated as well as those who are academic.

In the state system so many pupils who have something in them to be really developed are held back because of peer pressure and teachers doing them down. And Labour has upheld this because of its pathetic attitude.

As an 11+ failure I went on to do a BA and an MA as a Mature Student. I also chose to take lessons in Latin to see what it was like and really enjoyed them: great for understanding many things today. I also enjoy carpentry!

Labour used to have some great women M.P.s but the likes of Harriet Harman shoving the issue down our throats has done the cause great harm.

- Janet, London, UK, 13/05/2010 12:33
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Beckett is of course correct. We can't have a siutation, where after 50 years of equality and diversity, there are no decent birds in the cabinet.

- Hansel, London, 13/05/2010 12:33
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Well put Vijay. I'd vote for you!

- R, Home Counties, 13/05/2010 12:32
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@ - HK Expat, Hong Kong, 13/05/2010 11:52

Yes I was talking about 20+ years ago, however I would add that some children are guided, like your son, others are not.

The children that are guided are the ones who will get to Oxbridge the ones who aren't don't.

It doesn't, necessary, mean that the brightest succeed or enjoy the benefits of what the best institutions offer.

Your son would have undertaken the 11+, without tuition (paid or through yourself) it is impossible, these days to pass and get in, without tuition. What about the poor child without switched on parents.

The point is, if there is one, that background counts for a lot, some people are better able to take advantage of the system compared to others.

- Jamie, London, 13/05/2010 12:30
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@bingham macnamara, lymington, hampshire, 13/05/2010 12:09

I think your just poorly educated generally - you had a better chance under labour but that window of opportunity is now closed. Things are set to get much worse in education under the new makeshift government. Makeshift being the operative word. Just like the opportunities that were bestowed upon you under Thatchers tenure. Never mind. Lol

- morag, uk, 13/05/2010 12:27
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We want the best people for the job, not a PC smattering of women. How patronising to think that a woman was in the Cabinet because of her sex. Talentless individuals like Beckett and Cooper have shown what a mistake it was to go for the PC option.

- R, Home Counties, 13/05/2010 12:25
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Sick and tired of these haggard old Labourites trying to keep themselves on the front page. Somebody should tell them, despite the declining educational standards brought on by Labour, some of us can still count.
Nanny Becket, like Brown, please go away.

- bingham macnamara, lymington, hampshire, 13/05/2010 12:09
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I never understood the corelation between a persons genitals and their aptitute except where you get a bunch of power hungry arrogant good-for-nothing polititians then there is an increased likelihood that they will make such distinctions to feed their ego and in their quest for power.

- morag, UK, 13/05/2010 12:05
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I always find this nonsense about "not enough women, ethnic minorites, homosexuals, lesbians, one-legged chinamen etc etc" in a cabinet totally absurd.
"I just want the most able, intelligent PERSON, to be in the cabinet.
Their backgoround, gender, sexual preferences are totally irrelevent."
- Mike, Luton

Mike (and Vijay) I completely agree. I work in the Public Sector and I have been disgusted with Labour's hideous, divisive and poisonous ideology of "Positive Discrimination" (which by the way is a complete oxymoron in itself as discrimination is inherently negative).

Over the past 13 years we have seen ridiculous quotas introduced where jobs are given to people because they are a "Visible Ethnic Minority" or they are "LGBT - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender".

Er, sorry but what on earth does been black or gay have to do with being a Police Officer, Nurse, etc. - NOTHING!

Thank heavens we've now got a real progressive Government who will stop this hideous political correctness and nasty superficial discrimination.

- AnonPC, London, UK, 13/05/2010 11:55
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Jamie, London, 13/05/2010 11:20

I know exactly where you are coming from. But, it is a generalisation - maybe truer 10/20 years ago but less so now. Have plenty of Oxbridge nieces/nephews who are 'normal' shall we say.

I for one am from a working class family and went to a state comprehensive - it was pretty bad - but I was bright enough to get into Imperial. And, yes, I did normal things : footie, cricket, bunking off - you name it, I did it.

My son went to a private prep school. Now he goes to the top grammar school in the country, Queen Elizabeth Boys. And believe me, he's not an average kid prepped to pass. Very bright, very talented (sports and music - he plays the cello and just got accepted into the Guild Hall). I have every expectation that he will get into Oxbridge and will be very proud when he does. Toynbee's assertions that all middle class kids are thicko's and all working class kids are budding Einsteins makes me sick to the core.

The point I am trying to make is that you cannot have a bunch of imbeciles running the country, City etc. You cannot legislate, dumb down call it what you will. If you do that by force - as Labour tried to do, the country will suffer. You'll get people like morag in charge - need I say more?

Just one more thing. I live and work in HK now. And you can see where the power is moving. It's away from the West. Pretty soon it will be the UK which will be Third World if we let the numpties take over.

- HK Expat, Hong Kong, 13/05/2010 11:52
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It's these kinds of observations and distractions that hold Labour back. I expect an endless stream of moaning and belly-aching from Beckett and her like. The fact that Labour confessed they'd rather be in opposition than cooperate in a coalition for the good of the nation says it all.

- Ben Farrell, London, 13/05/2010 11:38
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Who is Margaret Beckett?? Pot - Kettle & black spring to mind. Only bad losers shout, good ones just get on with life and business.

- Simon H, Kingsbridge, UK, 13/05/2010 11:32
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you dont need manners or social skills to run a country - how preposterous - there is no better education than a good moral education and a real sense of value which carries a person through life and helps at every crossroads along the way. Applicable in government especially. Social skills and manners at as such junctures is like taking a ship to the sea without a hull.

- morag, Uk, 13/05/2010 11:28
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Love the way our Labour supporters are such bad losers and in denial of the benefits of democracy just like the old Stalinists. It's always someone else's fault poor dears. Well you can have a long rest now whilst the problems you left are sorted out, AGAIN!

- Stephen C, London, 13/05/2010 11:23
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@ - Stephen C, London, 13/05/2010 10:53
- HK Expat, Hong Kong, 13/05/2010 10:00

Just my take.

I went to a good Redbrick, everyone's Redbrick is good, however I then went to do some professional exams and there were numerous, yes a lot, Oxbridge graduates, nice people on the whole.

However one thing that did strike me was that most of these Oxbridge people had the same background, ie prep onwards etc.

The did history, geography etc at Oxbridge they weren't stupid but not that good, compared to the capable students at the Redbrick.

This is just observation, but my conclusion is that certain types go to Oxford or Cambridge due to their backgrounds and not necessarily any particular innate talent.

I like many of my University friends came from more diverse, state educated backgrounds, we didn't receive extra tuition or assistance, when at secondary school we played football every night during the spring summer and autumn and revised only when the exams were about to take place, but I think many people are like this.

Therefore just different people from different backgrounds, some go one way, through guidance and expectation and other just fall in another direction.

- Jamie, London, 13/05/2010 11:20
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Margaret Beckett and the rest of Blairs babies are one reason not to promote someone just to make up the numbers.

- David Smith, Croydon, 13/05/2010 11:15
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Perhaps Dave and Nick can take turns at dressing as a woman!!

- Melvyn, Canvey Island, Essex, 13/05/2010 11:09
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Thank God the Cabinet does not include Margaret Beckett or Harriet Harman.

- oldpitt, Norwich Norfolk, 13/05/2010 11:09
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Outstanding comments by the way Vijay, innit........

- Andy Woodhead, London, ENGLAND, 13/05/2010 11:00
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I'm with Vijay. Just because you're a woman/black/brown/brindle/gay etc. doesn't mean you're competent. God knows, the days of a decent school education are long gone unless you can afford to pay for it, and time was universities used to be there to educate and stimulate minds, not give you a piece of paper that qualifies you for nothing better than a job at the BBC. We need the Oxfords and Cambridges to produce our future leaders.

- A. Cameron, Liege, Belgium, 13/05/2010 10:56
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@ nickspurs

well, if you want to see polititians there on their merit Downing street should be like a ghost town this morning. I dont call an endoctrination of the electorate by a right wing media, a hate campaign of Gordon Brown, a small majority and some last minute bribes to the libdems to get them over the finish line MERIT.
You need to find a dictionary and take some examples of the word Merit in its proper context. Im sorry but this cabinet is not one of those examples.

- morag, uk, 13/05/2010 10:56
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Well put Vijay.

Sadly the Labour put women on the front benches purely because they wanted to be seen as doing 'the right thing'. However, if you looked back over the 13 years they were all horrific! I for one am singing from the rooftop that one Ms Harman won't be TV talking a load of old rubbish. And don't even get me started on Hazel Blears! If ever there was case of brain-washing, surely those who voted her in again must need their head looked at! Best call out the doctors, and quick...

- Scott, Docklands, London, 13/05/2010 10:56
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The women in this Cabinet are quality. Labour's women were basically rubbish and there just because they were women. Remember them? Jackie, Harriet, Patricia, Margaret(s), Hazel, Caroline and of course Yvette of HIP fame. OK, Patricia's got some proper jobs but do you think any of the others will?

Brilliant comments by Vijay.

- Stephen C, London, 13/05/2010 10:53
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@ - nickspurs, London, 13/05/2010 09:17

Not very nice, she was not that bad, whenever she was on Question Time she always surprised me at how good she actually is, a thoughtful politician.

Theresa May, who does lack talent, seems to have been given a token position, and I think Baroness Warsi? has some sort of position, one things for sure Warsi's style will soon grate, on everybody, she requires some elocution lessons.

- Jamie, London, 13/05/2010 10:47
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Jacqui Smith, Patricia Hewitt, Barbara Follett, Yvette Cooper, not forgetting the outstanding Harriet Harman plus of course the global stateswoman that is Margaret Beckett. I rest my case now please retire from public life Mrs Beckett - you and 'New' Labour are well past your sell by dates.........

- Andy Woodhead, London, ENGLAND, 13/05/2010 10:45
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Well this is what the Nation voted for innit. 20% VAT and a coalition of public school, thence Oxbridge, misogynists.

But what is the first principle they sign up to? 5 year fixed term parliaments so that when their sorry little coalition fails they can linger on for 5 years until they lose power again.

23% of the population, at least, must be rueing the day they voted Lib Dem and elected a Tory to be Deputy PM. Parliament should be addressing itself to introducing a Theft of a Political Party Act. First Blair masquerading as a socialist then Clegg claiming to be Lib Dem innit.

Let us all cry for our beloved country under siege.

- In Mourning for our Nation, Tottenham, 13/05/2010 10:42
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I don't think any straight-thinking woman would want to be an MP. They don't like lying and cheating.

- Rod, Epping, UK, 13/05/2010 10:40
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Vijay - you are not wrong, in fact you are 100% right.

- Mark, London, 13/05/2010 10:34
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Ms Beckett - shut your beak you old crow!!!!!!

- Stephen, Square Mile, London, 13/05/2010 10:31
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This is the same person who totally failed at DEFRA - her incompetence in handling the Farmers' Single Payments scheme cost the UK a fine of EUR 370 Million. And in true "wimmin first" style obliged her No 2, Lord Bach, to take the blame and resign. Beckett never apologised for architecting this catastrophe (several farmers committed suicide as a result of waiting too long for payment) and nor was she ever brought to book for her incompetence. Shortly after this 'success' she was appointed Foreign Secretary and totally stuffed up this job. She will also be remembered for claiming thousands on hanging baskets and other gardening expenses deemed "missison critical" towards the well-being of world-class political statesmanship. Beckett is a shining example (Harpyperson and Enver Hodge are others) why "wimmin" of this calibre are a disaster for UK plc management. They don't possess the skills, experience, charm or Hutzpah.

- David Low, Cirencester, UK, 13/05/2010 10:24
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You only have to look at the women in the last Governments cabinet to see what happens when you promote people simply because the tick the right boxes for sex, colour or ethnicity. There was not one woman in the cabinet that deserved to be there for their talents, skills or experience. They were there simply because the were women and they could say yes Tony / Gordon PERIOD!!!!!!
People do not care whether the cabinet has enough women.They want to know that the best, most competent and experienced person for the job gets it. That was the trouble with the last shower. THEY DIDN'T !!!!!!!!!!!!
Go away woman and learn to live with the fact you were part of the worst Government in history! Not the best leagacy to be shouting off about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Duncan Walker, Ex Peckham now Thailand, 13/05/2010 10:18
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Get lost labour!!!

- Steve, London UK, 13/05/2010 10:17
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Back in your caravan, Beckett. I am sure that a Cameron-Clegg coalition would have appointed women had there been women of experience and high calibre available and/or willing.

Unlike Labour, I don't want people appointed because of sex or anything else, other than their ability and their being a leader and team player.

People like you would not have made it in this administration. Labour had a dearth of talent, which is why the same old ministers (you included) were appointed, later sacked or resigned, and re-appointed amid all-too-frequent re-shuffles. John Reid, for example, had nine different posts in nine years because there was so little talent among your large number of MPs. Look at the quality of The Speaker, for goodness sake.

So enjoy your time out of office. You'll never have a ministerial car again.

- Lester May, Camden Town, London, 13/05/2010 10:15
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I do not have an problem with the cabinet being made up of mostly privately educated people, the majority of whom then went on to Oxford, Cambridge, or some other redbrick university. These institutions turn out well traveled, well educated, intellectually nimble individuals with manners. Are they not the kind of people who you want at the top representing you and me on the world stage? Or would you prefer someone who first went to a some sink comprehensive, and then got themselves a degree in Media Studies from some third rate college somewheere? That same someone who now probably says 'innit' after every sentence?
It is just a shame that the politics and dogma that is so prevalent in the state education system prevents kids graduating with the same intellectual and social skills as our current Prime minister and most of his collegues.
Of course there are examples of those that bucked this trend. William Hague went to a state school up North and he is my favorite in the cabinet. However he was educated at a time when the state system still had some standards. If he went to the state same school now, he would probably be dragging one leg behind the other when he walks, whilst wearing his trousers half way down his backside. Am I wrong?

- Vijay, South West London, 13/05/2010 10:12
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Maybe there is none good enough.

- shallotman, Basildon, 13/05/2010 10:10
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I always find this nonsense about "not enough women, ethnic minorites, homosexuals, lesbians, one-legged chinamen etc etc" in a cabinet totally absurd.
I just want the most able, intelligent PERSON, to be in the cabinet.
Their backgoround, gender, sexual preferences are totally irrelevent.

- Mike, Luton, 13/05/2010 10:07
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Beckett was a failure in every job she was given in government - as were the majority of the female nonentities appointed by Blair and Brown. Thankfully Beckett's face will never again be leering at us from the front benches.

- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 13/05/2010 10:03
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Sour Grapes I guess! Cant say that any of the female members of the previous Government filled me with confidence of any sort, but then again neither did the majority of the men!!!!

I don't think any politician can be taken seriously under the current way that Government appears to operate. Politicians play their own silly little games and make up the rules as they go along. Individuals previously seen as being sensible become removed from normality overnight. Perhaps it has always been like that but somehow I don't think so. I don't care as to what gender or party a Government Minister belongs to as long as he or she puts the Country and its electorate first and his or her own personal interests second. I guess I can dream on I suppose!!!!!

- Pedro, Dubai UAE, 13/05/2010 10:00
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What concerns me is not just the lack of women but also the fact that the cabinet is also 70% oxbridge graduates which further illustrates their stranglehold on opportunity in the UK. If university tuition fees and their inevitable rise are to be acceptable then this too needs to be addressed. Now.

- Steve, Brentford, 13/05/2010 09:33

yeh, let's get in the genius's from the poly's (sorry new uni's) and let them run the country

When will the muppets realise that only the brightest and the best make it to or survive Oxbridge etc. Or should we just dumb down Oxbridge\Imperial etc so that any moron can get in and get a 1st?

Pathetic.

- HK Expat, Hong Kong, 13/05/2010 10:00
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It is better not to have many women in the cabinet than to have someone like Beckett.

- Michaella, London UK, 13/05/2010 09:52
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Couldn't agree mnoer with Anglo Sussex. It was only a matter of time before some whinging female Labour MP started to get her knickers in a twist about the lack of women in the cabinet. Just think back to all those Blair Babes promoted to Cabinet level just because they were women. Where are they now?. All proved to be pretty useless at their respective jobs and slowly one by one they either resigned or were quietly dropped. The only survivor is Mad Hattie Harman, and she has done more to damage the image of woman in Parliament than any egotistic male MP has managed to do.

- pete, sutton surrey, 13/05/2010 09:45
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if this is the best maggie can come up with now she is in opposition its going to be a bit of a sad parliment, talent is going to be hard to find with that bunch of clangers

- anon leicestershire, leicestershire, 13/05/2010 09:44
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Sorry Margaret - woman did not do well in the last government did they? I seem to remember one getting her partner's house repaired hundred of miles away and another skipping off with a silly badge on explaining she had "rocked the boat". As a woman I feel let down by them and no job should be worked on the women quota system anyway. We have a woman running the Olympics and look how they are over budget. We will never be able to afford this fiasco anyway and I have asked before what the voters who live in South London gain from spending their Council tax on it. I cannot see anyone from this part of the world taking their child swimming ac5ross London even if it is an Olympic sized pool.

- Amber in Mitcham, mitcham, 13/05/2010 09:34
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What concerns me is not just the lack of women but also the fact that the cabinet is also 70% oxbridge graduates which further illustrates their stranglehold on opportunity in the UK. If university tuition fees and their inevitable rise are to be acceptable then this too needs to be addressed. Now.

- Steve, Brentford, 13/05/2010 09:33
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Why does this remarkably stupid ex-minister believe that gender is the same as competence and ability?

- Chuck Unsworth, London, 13/05/2010 09:32
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Bitter, bitter, bitter Labour.

- Frank, Home Counties, England, 13/05/2010 09:31
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Does n't take these useless failures to start whinging does it?

- Anglo, Sussex England, 13/05/2010 09:20
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Margaret, you never had any talent and should never have been near the cabinet, you are not doing the female cause any good. I want to see people there on merit, not to fill some artificial quota of political correctness.

- nickspurs, London, 13/05/2010 09:17
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