Party of Women: Origins and Electoral Performance
The Party of Women is a political entity in the United Kingdom that emerged in late 2023. Aligned with the views of Keen-Minshull, the party focuses on specific legislative changes regarding gender and the protection of rights for women and girls.
The Path to Formal Registration
Establishing the party was a multi-step process involving the Electoral Commission, the independent body that oversees elections and regulates political parties in the UK. The party's first attempt to register in September 2023 was rejected due to complications regarding its proposed constitution and financial schemes.
After a second unsuccessful application in November, the Party of Women was formally registered in February 2024.
Core Policy Objectives
Shortly after its registration, on 1 March 2024, the party released an official announcement outlining its primary political goals. The party committed to the revocation of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, a piece of legislation that allows individuals to change their legal gender. By repealing this act, the party stated its intention to reinforce the rights of cisgender women and girls (individuals whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth).
Electoral History and Results
The Party of Women participated in two major voting cycles in 2024, attempting to establish a foothold in local and national governance.
2024 Local Elections
During the local elections, the party fielded five candidates. These candidates collectively received 509 votes, though none were successful in winning their respective seats.
2024 United Kingdom General Election
The party expanded its reach for the general election, fielding a total of 16 candidates. Across these constituencies, the party garnered 5,077 votes.
Keen-Minshull contested the newly formed Bristol Central constituency. However, she failed to retain her deposit—a financial requirement for candidates to reach a certain percentage of the vote—after securing only 0.5% of the total votes in that area.
Key Facts
- Registered: February 2024, following two previous rejections.
- Primary Goal: Revocation of the Gender Recognition Act 2004.
- Local Election Performance: 5 candidates, 509 total votes, 0 seats won.
- General Election Performance: 16 candidates, 5,077 total votes.
- Leadership Alignment: Aligned with the views of Keen-Minshull.
| Election Type | Candidates | Total Votes | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Elections | 5 | 509 | No candidates elected |
| General Election | 16 | 5,077 | No candidates elected |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the party's initial registration rejected?
The Electoral Commission rejected the first application in September 2023 because of issues related to the party's financial schemes and its proposed constitution.
What is the party's stance on the Gender Recognition Act 2004?
The Party of Women has committed to revoking the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to reinforce the rights of cisgender women and girls.
How did the party perform in the 2024 general election?
The party ran 16 candidates and received a total of 5,077 votes, but did not win any seats.
What happened to Keen-Minshull's candidacy in Bristol Central?
Keen-Minshull lost her deposit in the Bristol Central constituency after receiving only 0.5% of the vote.