By Jonathan Isaby
This Tuesday saw the AGM of the Conservative Women’s Organisation take place at Mary Sumner House, Tufton Street, Westminster.
The meeting was chaired by retiring CWO President, Fiona Hodgson, and the following were elected as officers:
- Niki Molnar (pictured) was elected as the new Chairman;
- Pauline Lucas, the retiring Chairman, was elected President;
- The three Deputy Chairmen are now Thalia Openshaw, Margaret Bird (Financial) and Katy Bourne, with Eve Burt having retired after three years as a Deputy Chairman.
In her acceptance speech, Niki thanked Pauline for her hard work and dedication as Chairman, announcing that her predecessor had kindly agreed to continue her involvement with the CWO Development programme, which, she said, "is going to be her legacy to Conservative women who want to stand for public office.”
Niki also outlined her plans and ideas to improve the CWO brand, awareness, communication and reporting throughout the party; working closer with Conservative Future; and the importance of Social Action as an organisation.
Jeremy Middleton, Chairman of the National Conservative Convention, gave the keynote speech to the AGM before a hustings on AV featuring Charlotte Vere and John Strafford.
Celebrating the centenary of International Women’s Day, the afternoon’s session included presentations and speeches from Andrew Mitchell MP, the International Development Secrteary; Judith Davey from ActionAid; Wendy Morton on Project Umubano; and Baroness Verma.
