Shocking All-Male Cabinet Sparks Outrage: Is This 2025 or 1925?

In a bold move that has drawn immediate backlash, Reform UK has appointed an all-male cabinet to Lancashire County Council, marking what many are calling a ”retrograde step”. The announcement, made during the council’s annual general meeting, has left opposition councillors feeling frustrated, as it’s the first time in the history of the council’s cabinet system that all nine positions are occupied by men.

Gina Dowding, representing the Green Party, voiced her disappointment, emphasizing the importance of women’s representation in leadership roles. “This is a historic moment, and it’s disheartening to see a cabinet without a single woman at the table,” she remarked. Dowding highlighted that while councils should prioritize merit, this does not exclude the unique skills and perspectives that women contribute.

However, Stephen Atkinson, the newly appointed leader of Reform UK in Lancashire, defended the decision. Atkinson stated that the cabinet was assembled based on a rigorous selection process, evaluating councillors’ skills and qualifications to choose the ”best people” for the roles. He firmly believes that ability should outweigh gender in such selections.

Despite the outcry, Atkinson is open to including women in future cabinet positions, asserting that they will join once their skills align with the council’s needs. While this recent development indicates a shift in control of the council from the Conservatives to Reform UK, it has raised significant concerns about gender equality in local governance.

The controversy underscores a pivotal conversation about the balance of representation within political frameworks, questioning what true meritocracy should look like when it comes to elected offices.