Equality Party Launched by former members of WEP

Members of the Women’s Equality Party have formed a new political party in advance of the demise of the WEP at the end of 2024.

The group, consisting of branch and regional leaders from around the UK, has submitted registration documents to the Electoral Commission and hopes to be accepting members soon after WEP closes on 31^st December.

The party has appointed Cllr Kay Wesley as its Leader, with a 12-strong Leadership Team including senior WEP figures from Scotland, Exeter, London, Plymouth, Sheffield and several from Cheshire, where it already has two Town Councillors – Cllr Wesley and Cllr Susan Mead.

Cllr Wesley explained the rationale for the new party:

“Susie and I never intended to sit as independent councillors, we got into this with a purpose, and that was to tackle injustice and drive equality and inclusion.  We have already made a difference in our local council, and we believe Equality Party members can do the same all over the country.”

David Renton, WEP’s Scotland Representative and now on the Leadership Team of the Equality Party, explained its mission:

“We aim to unite people from diverse backgrounds to fight for equal rights and opportunities, so that everyone can contribute and thrive in our society.  Like WEP, we are a feminist party that believes women’s equality benefits everyone, and our new party’s remit is about striving for equality for all regardless of gender, sex, age, race, disability, LGBTQIA+ status, socio-economic status, religion or other characteristics. We view the global climate emergency and destruction of the natural environment as consequences of patriarchy. We believe a more equal world is also a more sustainable one.”

Cllr Wesley continued:                                                                      

“It is true that the WEP approach, of trying to influence parliament with national campaigns and collaborate with the major parties, was not working in a world where we see increasing polarisation in politics and the word ‘woman’ itself weaponised. But at a local level, we have done impactful work in communities and councils, and it is this ‘grassroots’ approach that we believe will bring about lasting change over time.

“We have been inundated with messages from WEP members and supporters saying they still want to be activists, or still want to vote for a party that puts equality at the top of the agenda. The Equality Party will offer them a new political home.”

Members of the public can learn more, volunteer, or sign up for the Equality Party at www.equalityparty.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Members of the Leadership Team are available for interview.

Contact: press@equalityparty.org.uk

Kay Wesley: 07711 459740

The Party

The Equality Party was founded by 12 former members of the Women’s Equality Party to push women’s equality and equality for minoritised groups to the top of the political agenda.

The Party has two elected Councillors in Cheshire, both on Congleton Town Council.

The Core objectives of the party are:

• Equal representation across politics, industry, public and working life.
• Equal pay and opportunities to thrive.
• Shared parenting and caregiving responsibilities so all can succeed in work and family life.
• An inclusive education system that challenges discrimination and fosters opportunity for all.
• Equal treatment of women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, ethnic groups, disabled people, and other minoritised groups in the media.
• Ending violence against women, girls, and all hate-motivated violence.
• Equal access to healthcare and social care for everyone.

The WEP’s founders, Sandi Toksvig and Catherine Mayer, announced in November their intention to ask the members of the party to vote to close the party they founded in 2015, as the party’s approach was no longer working in the new political landscape. The vote was passed on 17^th November 2024.

Photo:

Cllrs Wesley and Mead