Tuesday (6 February) marks the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, in which Parliament gave the vote to Women property owners over the age of 30.

The Conservatives have a long history of promoting women in politics - the first woman to sit in the House of Commons was a Conservative MP (Nancy Astor), and the Conservatives were also the first Party in the western world to elect a female Prime Minister (Margaret Thatcher).

At the Spring Budget last year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced £5million of funding to help celebrate this significant day, which will also be used to encourage women into public life and representing political Parties at all levels.

In Bexley, local MP, Rt Hon David Evennett, has welcomed the celebrations, and commented: “the Conservatives have a proud record of promoting women in politics, and I have been privileged to represent my home constituency in Parliament under the premierships of the only two female Prime Ministers in British history – my political hero, Margaret Thatcher, and our current PM, Theresa May. Locally we have many women in leading roles across the community – including members of our local Conservatives”.

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, who is currently serving her 10th year as Leader of Bexley Council, said: “it’s a great honour to be able to represent others and make a difference to the place you live and I encourage others to get involved”..