Number of female MPs rises – just

Belinda Phipps, who chairs the Fawcett Society, has praised the increase, “albeit a small increase”, in the number of women elected MPs.

“We particularly welcome the fact that the parties are turning to women to lead the way, with two new party leaders in Harriet Harman for Labour and Suzanne Evans for Ukip,” she added.

“Together with Nicola Sturgeon and Natalie Bennett that makes women a formidable force in the new political world.”

Ms Evans had been endorsed by Nigel Farage as Ukip’s interim leader, but she has since declined the honour, saying the decision needs to be made by the party’s executive committee.