::Female Liberal candidates 1918 to 1979::

Female Liberal candidates 1918 to 1979

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History Learning Site > British Electoral History since 1832 > Female Liberal candidates 1918 to 1979

Pre-World War One, the Liberal Party hierarchy under Asquith had been reticent to give its full support to the campaign by women for the right to vote. In 1918, the Representation of the People Act was passed giving women 30 years old and over and with property rights, the right to vote. As well as being able to vote, women also stood as candidates at elections. The Liberals by the end of 1918 were a split force as a result of the ‘Coupon Election’ and the number of female candidates that they had at elections reflected this.

1918: 4

1922: 16

1923: 12

1924: 6

1929: 25

1931: 5

1935: 11

1945: 20

1950: 45

1951: 11

1955: 14

1959: 16