The leader of the Women’s Equality Party, Sophie Walker has announced her decision to stand against MP Philip Davies in Shipley.
Following the announcement of a snap general election, Walker will stand against the Conservative MP. Both the Liberal Democrats and Green Party are in discussions about standing down in Shipley in order to give women’s equality the best chance.
Davies has recently hit the headlines for his comments on feminism and women’s equality. Described as an ‘anti-feminist’ Davies claimed that “feminist zealots” exaggerate gender inequalities in the UK.
In his speech, which he called “the justice gender gap”, the MP argued that the British justice system favoured women and discriminated against men.
He said, “In this day and age, the feminist zealots really do want women to have their cake and eat it.”
“They fight for their version of equality on all the things that suit women – but are quick to point out that women need special protections and treatment on other things.”
He continued, “I don’t believe there’s an issue between men and women.”
“The problem is being stirred up by those who can be described as militant feminists and the politically correct males who pander to this nonsense.”
Towards to end of 2016, Davies was then appointed to the House of Commons’ Women and Equalities Committee after another member joined the government.
Commenting on her decision to stand against the MP, Walker said, “Philip Davies’ track record of misogyny should have no place in Parliament.”
“It is a national embarrassment that he sits on the Women and Equalities Committee.”
“Shipley deserves an MP that will represent the needs and interests of all its constituents, instead of one who spends constituency time on a self-indulgent anti-women campaign.”
“I am standing to protect women’s jobs and pensions and ensure that, while women paid for austerity, they do not pay for Brexit.”
“I am standing for investment in a caring economy that will benefit women and men, and for a fair immigration system with social justice at its centre.”
“As I’ve built this party over the last two years, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to and connecting with people who have felt shut out of politics for too long.”
“I’m standing to give them a voice, and to be a voice in Westminster for all women.”
Speaking to constituents in Shipley, Walker said, “Right now if you live in Shipley, your MP is best known in Parliament as a sexist whose favourite pastime is inventing long speeches to prevent other MPs from passing important legislation such as the provision of free hospital parking for carers and compulsory sex and relationships education in schools.”
“He has taken time to write to the EHRC with questions including ‘why it is so offensive to black up your face?’ and suggested that disabled people should offer to work for less.”
“Voters have a right to expect their MP will represent their best interests. But Philip Davies’ party’s austerity policies hit women harder than men and pushed more women into poverty.”
“His party’s funding cuts shut vital services to survivors of violence, when two women a week die at the hands of abusive partners.”
“His party’s cuts to disabled people’s payments has caused misery.”
“And he is one of the many men that outnumber women in Parliament by two to one.”
“I want to change that last fact so WE can make progress on all the rest.”
“I have spoken to women across the constituency who are determined to make this election his last.”
“I understand that Philip Davies is a bit of a gambling man — I’d advise him not to bet against us.”
