I eagerly looked forward to my first event with the CWO……and what better way to begin my journey with the Organisation than to honour Emmeline Pankhurst, the fearless, political activist, born on 15th. July 1858 in Manchester, who organised the suffragette movement in the late 19th. Century and early 20th. campaigning for the enfranchisement of  women. Sadly, Emmeline passed away at the age of 69, only weeks before the Conservative Government’s Act of  2nd. July 1928 extending the vote to all women over the age of 21.

The CWO event, took place in Committee Room 6, in the Palace of Westminster overlooking the expanse of the River Thames, water gleaming in the bright evening sunlight. Mims Davies - Conservative MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and Shadow Minister (Women), galvanised those present with her enthusiasm and vitality, reminding us to follow Emmeline Pankhurst’s motto: “Deeds not words”. (Although I am sure Mims would draw the line at smashing windows and going on hunger strike in prison in this century!) 

Helen Pankhurst, great-grand daughter of Emmeline spoke to the CWO members, encouraging and enthusing all present to continue to shine the light of women in all aspects of society - especially the political one. It would be a fitting memorial to Emmeline Pankhurst, to have equal numbers of men and women in Parliament on the 100th. Anniversary of her passing in 2028 and the 100th. Anniversaryi8 of Women’s sufferage in the United Kingdom. 

“Deeds not Words”

Ladies (and Gentlemen) now is your time to stand up for the Conservative rights of fairness, democracy and the rights of the individual - stand as a candidate to be a Councillor in the Borough. Serve your local community. 

To quote the suffragette song “The March of the Women” 

‘Naught can ye win but by faith and daring.’ 

Veronica Barnes, Chairman, Twickenham Conservatives