Merseyside CWO
In 1919 David Lloyd-George was Prime Minister, King George V was the monarch, a loaf of bread cost less than one old pence and a pint of beer not much more. The UK was a country dealing with post-war fallout including a recession and a flu pandemic. Times may have changed and yet the fundamental challenges, political and personal, remain the same. It was in that same year, 101 years ago, that the Conservative Women's Organisation (CWO) was formed, then as The National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations’ Central Women’s Advisory Committee. Later, in 1928 the organisation became affiliated with the Conservative Party. It has undergone numerous name changes over the years since, in line with the changing times and has been the CWO since 2007.
The organisation was originally established with the aim of supporting women into political life. That aim remains the same today but has grown ever stronger with each passing year. In the present times, where we women are more than established and welcomed in all areas of life, we are fortunate to have such a supportive framework and opportunities to work and serve in such a wide selection of roles.
The Conservative Party has always led the way in female politics, boasting the first female MP in the House of Commons and all of the UK's female Prime Ministers. As we face what will perhaps prove to be the most trying time in living memory, we are reminded of the need to work together for the good of the party and ultimately, our country. It was our former leader and first female PM who said "In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man, if you want anything done, ask a woman". Wise words indeed and they confirm what I have long believed, that our men are essential to the cause and we are at our strongest when we work together and recognise our respective, albeit different strengths. No man is an island, and no woman is either. It is in supporting each other, whatever our role within the party, that we do achieve great things.
The political voices on Merseyside have for far too long been drowned by the oppressive and aggressive left. At a time when the nation has spoken and rewarded us with a wonderful majority in parliament to achieve the best for our nation, we must use this springboard to educate and deliver our message to our area. We have seen huge parts of the "Red Wall" demolished across the country and while perhaps it stands most firm in this county, it's time to shake the foundations here too. I am proud as a Conservative and a woman to lead the way for the CWO, in getting that done and delivering results and progress for everyone.
As the new Acting Chairman of the Merseyside Branch of the CWO, I am most honoured to undertake the role and make progress with the aims and objectives that we have to achieve. If you are already a CWO member then I am delighted and look forward to greeting you when we are able. If you are not already a member, I want to offer a warm welcome to and implore all other party members, female and male to join with the CWO in support of our women and each other. Membership is free and in the case of the current restrictions, excellent events can be found online and once the situations allow, social and productive events will be many. More details and the registration page for membership can be found here: https://conservativewomen.uk/ . For those on Social Media, the CWO can be followed on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/cwowomen?lang=en and the North West CWO here: https://twitter.com/CWONorthWest on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/cwowomen and Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cwowomen/
I look forward to working with you all on this.
Now and always, take good care of yourself and each other.
Katie Burgess.
Acting Chairman Merseyside Branch, CWO.
