29
April
2015
|
10:06
Europe/London

GENERAL ELECTION COMMENTARY: Women’s votes all to play for

“Women voters could be key in deciding who crosses the threshold of Number 10."

Professor Francesca Gains, Professor of Public Policy at The University of Manchester, researches and teaches on gender and policy-making in the UK. 

Professor Gains said: “Women voters could be key in deciding who crosses the threshold of Number 10.

“Women make up 52% of the electorate and are more undecided than men in current polling. In past elections they have made their minds up closer to polling day. 

“There is also an added factor that, as they are coming to a judgement about who to vote for, women, who fared worse under austerity measures, may not be as optimistic about their personal outlook for the future and more concerned about the future of healthcare and education.

“The battle for women’s votes is apparent in the parties’ manifesto promises but undecided women voters should consider if these promises can make it through the complicated coalition negotiations that look likely to follow election day.”

Notes for editors

For background, Professor Gains’ latest blog can be found here.

You can access Professor Gains’ bio here.

Professor Gains has interview availability over the next week and around the General Election. To arrange an interview contact:

Deborah Linton

Media Relations Officer

Faculty of Humanities

The University of Manchester

Tel: 0161 275 8257, 07789 948783

Email: deborah.linton@manchester.ac.uk

Search The University of Manchester election experts here.