The (feminised) contemporary Conservative Party

This chapter argues that feminization, the integration of women and women's issues in politics, is best understood as a process rather than an end point. It explores continuity and change in the extent to which the UK Conservative Party has incorporated women's bodies and concerns into the party hierarchy and policy in the 2010-2015 period. The chapter argues that a feminised party must at its core have women participating within its structures, and must address women's issues, concerns and perspectives. The years 2001-2005 saw the emergence of feminisation demands from both voluntary and parliamentary party. The Conservative Party has maintained its equality promotion measures associated with Women2Win, and the party centre has continued to push the message of women's representation, and continues to train selectorates. The chapter considers the British Election Study (BES) to evaluate whether the Conservative Party was able to secure women's votes in the election.