Encouraging more women into local politics.
Milton Keynes Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Shazna Muzammil, has launched a local drive as part of the Ask Her To Stand campaign, encouraging more women across the city to step forward and stand as candidates in the May 2026 all-out elections — when every council seat in Milton Keynes will be contested.
Nationally, around 2 in 5 councillors are women, and progress towards equality has stalled with only 27% of those elected in the Local Elections this year being women- the first time in nearly a decade that this proportion has fell below 30%.
Research shows that women are far more likely to stand for political office if they’re personally encouraged- sometimes, all it can take is one person saying ‘you’d be great at this’
Cllr Shazna Muzammil said: “Ask Her To Stand is about opening the door wider. Next year’s election is our chance to bring more women into the room, into the places where decisions are made about our families, our communities, our neighbourhoods. Whatever your politics, I want more women to stand. Your voice matters, and Milton Keynes needs it.”
Cllr Muzammil emphasises that standing for election doesn’t have to mean going straight into City Council politics. Many women begin their journey at parish level — a space where decisions directly shape daily life.
Parish councils look after the things residents see and feel every day: parks, green spaces, streetlights, community events, local planning concerns, and neighbourhood pride. For many, it’s the perfect way to start making a difference.
Cllr Muzammil added: “A parish council is often the ideal first step. You can learn how councils work, try public life at your own pace, and see — almost immediately — the positive impact your voice can have. It’s meaningful, it’s rewarding, and it’s local.”
Former councillor and current Parish Council Chair Cllr Charlotte Hall shared why she continues to serve:
“Representing a community you genuinely care about is incredibly special. I’ve seen how even small decisions can make a big difference — and that’s why I keep giving my time to the place I love.”
Cllr Shazna Muzammil concluded: “Milton Keynes is making progress, and it’s encouraging to see more women stepping forward, including in Council leadership, with five out of nine positions held by women in the Labour cabinet in council. But we are still far from equal representation nationally, especially across many councils and parish bodies.
Ask Her To Stand is about changing that. Yes, life is busy. Yes, we juggle work, family, and everything in between. But when you step forward, you’re not alone. You become part of a team, and the workload is shared and supported.
If you’ve ever thought about standing— or if you know a woman who’d make a brilliant councillor, now is the time to ask her, encourage her, and support her.
There is a huge ecosystem of support available — from 50:50 Parliament, Elect Her, and the Fawcett Society, Centenary Action all ready to help women take their first step into politics.
With every seat in Milton Keynes up for election next May, let’s make sure women are fully represented at the table where decisions that shape our city are made.”
