This International Women’s Day meet women in politics from across Newark and Sherwood ensuring female voices are heard, including; Sherwood Forest MP, East Midlands Mayor, Newark and Sherwood District Council chairman and deputy leader, Newark Mayor, Newark Town Council leader, and Balderton Parish Council chairman
The annual International Women’s Day — which takes place on March 8 — aims to recognise inspirational figures from all walks of life and raise awareness that more still needs to be done to create a more equal society.
In Newark and Sherwood there are many women in political positions, representing their communities from the highest level on the national and regional stage, to dealing with town and parish matters.
Our area is also unusual in having women in positions of authority at all levels of local politics, whether that be in leadership, chairing committees, or holding a cabinet position.
Here, they tell us what inspired them to enter politics, the important role that women can play in decision making, and what more needs to be done to break down barriers.
In July 2024, the General Election saw a sea change in the face of British politics as Labour stormed to victory, introducing a slew of new MPs.
Among them was Michelle Welsh, who became the first woman to be elected to the Sherwood Forest constituency.
She also serves as a Gedling Borough Councillor and Nottinghamshire County Councillor, and believes in the part that women can play in politics.
“Women have different perspectives and unique experiences on services and how they can be developed,” she said.
“Women also play a fundamental role in every area of life, especially working-class women who have also faced years of inequalities.
“Women often aren't recognised for their talents, in particular women in business and those working on farms and in rural communities. It is important their voices are heard and that lived-experience is put at the heart of policy making.
“It is the responsibility of people like me to reach out to women and to support them and show them how it can be done.
“Politics can be a tough environment, so it is important that women support each other through the shared struggles in order to thrive in that environment, and through all walks of life.”
Michelle’s interest in politics, and the impacts that political decision could have, came to a head while working with disadvantaged children in her community.
She disagreed with the then Conservative governement’s approach, saying: “I knew it was wrong and wanted to do something about it.”
There have been challenges along the way, including navigating through politics as a working-class woman.
She said: “People often think that I don’t belong in politics because of my background.
“It can sometimes be tricky balancing political life with family life, but I love what I do and my family are so important to me, so I ensure I have a healthy balance in place.”
When asked about her proudest moment in politics so far, Michelle said: “When I walked into Parliament for the first time as a Member of Parliament with my son and partner.
“I was filled with hope that my son, and every girl and woman, knows that anything is possible, no matter where you come from.”
2024 also saw the election of Claire Ward as the East Midlands first ever regional mayor.
At the same time, Claire became the only woman to lead a regional authority anywhere in the country, and following the recent appointment of Amy Harhoff as chief executive, the East Midlands Combined Authority is now also the only authority to have women in the top two positions of leadership.
Claire previously served as a Labour MP in governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and most recently acted as chairman of Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Dawn Campbell is leader of Newark Town Council, and recognised that great strides had been taken in recent decades toward creating a more representative council driven by indiviuals wanting to make a difference.
She said: “Displayed in the Town Hall is a photograph, taken in 1926, of the town councillors. All are men.
“Nearly 100 years later, of the 18 councillors representing wards on the town council, over half are women.
“This is a real sea-change and has only been possible because of the fight towards equality over the last hundred years.”
Town councillors are not paid, and so voluntarily put themselves forward to represent their fellow residents and make difficult decisions, all while balancing jobs, families, and life.
“Like many councillors, my decision to stand as a town councillor was not driven by political ambition, but a feeling that I could make a small difference in the place where I live,” said Dawn.
“I was initially inspired by community action and meeting like-minded people who also wanted a stake in local decision-making.
“I am not a representative of women, but one part of a collective group of local people who make decisions for the town and a balance of views and experiences can only be a good thing to represent the community we serve.”
Speaking in her role as a Newark Town Councillor, Diane Ledger — currently serving as the Mayor of Newark — spoke about the different perspective that women bring to political conversations.
However, it wasn’t until 2019 she even considered entering the world of politics, when councillors Irene Brown and Gill Dawn told her that they thought she would make a good councillor due to her extensive involvement in her community.
“I had lived on Yorke Drive all my life, I was aware of the issues that residents faced, and I was well known in the community,” said Diane.
“I figured I would give it a go and see what happened. It turns out, I enjoy being a councillor.
“Representing the Bridge ward, voicing concerns and making decisions that affect the community is challenging, as I am a non-aligned independent councillor, so I only have my voice and no backing of a political party.
“But I think that's a good thing, I don't feel like I have to go against my morals or judgement to vote the same way as any political party, I vote in a way I think will benefit the people I am elected to represent.”
Diane was re-elected in 2023 and on her journey into public life she had the honour of being selected as the Mayor of Newark in 2024, a non-political role which she conducts alongside her regular duties as a non-aligned independent councillor.
She added: “Women in politics bring different perspectives on issues such as health, education, childcare, and domestic abuse.
“It is important that women have their voices heard, especially when they are representing the community they live in. It's also great to have positive role models in positions of authority for young girls to look up to.
“Supporting women in developing their leadership and campaigning skills would encourage more women into politics, along with a more flexible approach to attending meetings, especially if they have children. Attending meetings online would help with this, and a mentoring programme for anyone going into politics would be beneficial.
“I'm glad I'm a town councillor, I feel like I'm helping the community have their voices heard on local issues.”
On Newark and Sherwood District Council, women hold several of the most senior positions, including Jean Hall who is the current chairman.
Jean stood for election in May 2023 as an independent, and to her surprise won a seat on both Balderton Parish council and Newark and Sherwood District Council.
“Although I always took a passing interest in UK politics, local politics only hit my radar when the council tax bill came or there were headlines that caught my eye , that was until 2022 when I and other residents decided to attend a parish council meeting to object to a change of use at our local lake.
“I found residents were in the dark about many decisions being made and one of the councillors advised us if we were not happy with the decisions we should stand as candidates.
“As someone who has always valued the community I live in I decided along with my fellow Balderton residents to put up or shut up.”
In 2024 she was selected as the chairman of the district council, a role she described as being “emotional, intense, exhausting, and utterly fulfilling.”
As chairman it is her job to keep order within the council chambers and lay down the law when necessary.
Proud to represent her community, and proud to be a woman, Jean believes there is still some way to go before full representation is achieved.
She said: “Politics should be a representation of our country. Our population is 51% female, yet we are only represented in the house of commons at 40% — everything is still out of balance.
“In my short time as a politician overall I have been met with support and acceptance, but some of the reason there are fewer women in politics may be that at certain levels this is voluntary with no childcare support.
“This is a real shame as there are many women out there who have a lot to offer and no way of doing it.
“I have also found some behaviour in politics is not cohesive to mental wellbeing and I would appreciate a more robust and substantial Code of Conduct to protect all.
“I would recommend women to step forward [into politics]. We have a lot to offer and often a newer fresher approach is just what is needed.”
The council’s deputy leader Rowan Cozens was also a newcomer to politics in 2023, and has taken inspiration from women in the arts, historical fugures, and her mother who instilled the “importance of fairness and justice.”
One of Rowan’s proudest possessions is an original Suffragette flag, representing the group that helped secure the right for women to vote, just over 100 years ago.
“There are many amazing women involved in politics today, but it wasn’t always the case,” she said.
“Learning about the suffragette movement at school woke me up to the value of our hard fought for democracy. It is vital to use your vote.
“It is a huge privilege to be elected into a position of public service and to be able to have the opportunity to improve lives. It’s hard work, but very rewarding.
“Having a balanced mixture of women and men in decision making and in positions of power and influence is important for the residents we serve.
“It isn’t easy to get there, but with plenty of determination and the ability to reach out and ask for help, anything is possible.
“I appreciate all the wonderful women I come into contact with daily who want to work in a cooperative way for the greater good.”
Also elected for the first time in 2023 was Jane Buxton, who is the current chairman of Balderton Parish Council.
She said it was a proud moment and felt “humbled, elated, scared and excited all at once”, describing her role as a councillor as a “priceless” opportunity to make a difference to where she lives.
“I am a child of the 60s and was shaped by the ethos of the decade,” she said.
“The era was marked by the civil rights movement, the emergence of equal pay, harmony with nature and standing up for what you believe in. A decade of hope, desire for change and a better future for all.
“We accomplish more by being part of a team, with shared values and goals.
“By working together as part of a Parish Council, you can achieve so much for your community — grand gestures are not always the answer, but a simple litter pick can help put the pride back into where you live.
“I strive to be open, honest and tolerant of others. It is not about being a woman in politics, it’s about being someone who is not afraid of trying to do the right thing.
“Who knew the university of life held such a tapestry of riches and when mixed in the right combination, you can make a difference and make your world a better place …in whatever way makes sense to you.
“Don’t be afraid to say yes to new adventures, stand up for what you believe in and be involved. You never know you might enjoy it, just like me.”
