Home Secretary Amber Rudd has praised the dedication of long-serving Purbrook councillor Gwen Blackett in the House of Commons.
Cllr Blackett retires this May after serving continuously on the council for 45 years, having been first elected in 1973.
Speaking at Women’s and Equalities Questions in the House of Commons, the Home Secretary was responding to a question from Havant MP Alan Mak on boosting female participation in politics. Replying the Home Secretary said more needed to be done, as well as praising the female members of Havant Borough Council.
She said: “Only 33 per of local councillors are women, and I’d like to see that number rise. But I do want to pay particular tribute to Cllr Gwen Blackett, who is soon to retire from Havant Borough Council following 45 years of service, and I’d like to congratulate her on that, and the other women who have served as well.”
It comes as the Government plans to boost the number of female politicians at all levels, with this year being the centenary of women getting the vote for the first time. As part of the celebrations a special £5 million fund has been created so that events, large and small can be held across the country.
Alan also praised the female councillors on Havant Borough Council, who have collectively served for more than 100 years.
He said: “I was delighted that the Home Secretary rightly praised Cllr Blackett for her long service and dedication to the residents of Purbrook. It’s remarkable that of the 100 years that women have had the right to vote, Cllr Blackett has served for nearly half of them. Her trailblazing efforts are truly inspirational for anyone else thinking of going into politics.”
Picture: Alan Mak MP with Cllr Gwen Blackett and other Purbrook councillors