AN EastEnders' storyline has lead the Wycombe council leader to call on more women to stand for election.

Wycombe District Council leader Cllr Lesley Clarke has used her blog to call on more women to follow the example of the character Peggy Mitchell, played by actress Barbara Windsor.

In the blog Cllr Clarke, who is the chairman of the Women's Local Government Society, said: “I am only too aware of how few female councillors there actually are – in fact, there are about 20,000 councillors in England and Wales and only about 29% are women.

“Of that, only 1% are black, Asian and minority ethnic women.”

She adds: “Everyone who cares about their community has something to offer as a local councillor, but it would be wonderful to see a few more women standing as councillors in Bucks.

“If you know of such a person, please do suggest it to them.

“So if, like Peggy, you’d like to make a difference for your local community and help local people, now’s the time to think about becoming a local councillor.”

To read the full text of the blog click the link to the right.

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