David Cameron has suggested that he might be prepared now to countenance all-women shortlists for Conservative candidates from January, using it as a threat to recalcitrant Conservative associations. But is this a good idea? Does it help or hinder women? Read Nick Robinson's take here and a debate on the Daily Politics here.
As much as I think women should be encouraged to become politicians, I really do think that all-women shortlists undermine whoever is elected. It allows the 'less progressive' MPs and political commentators to accuse the candidates of only being there because they are a woman. Similarly it means the women MPs then owe even more to their party, they are more easily whipped and are therefore no better than your average ambitious MP.
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