Sexism row erupts as council leader bans men from standing for election

David Cameron drew criticism from grassroots supporters last year after forcing all-woman shortlists upon local Tory associations

A political sexism row erupted yesterday after a council leader banned men from standing for election to become councillors.



Peterborough Labour Party is to draw up all-woman shortlists for candidates standing in local elections in two wards this year.



The party's male candidate David Dent has angrily resigned after being told he cannot stand for election because he is male.

Prime Minister David Cameron drew criticism from grassroots supporters last year after forcing all-woman shortlists upon local Tory associations.

But local Labour party leader Nazim Khan has defended the plans and claimed there are too many men on Peterborough City Council.



Councillor Khan said: 'We decided in August or September we wanted some women in the group.



'We discussed it and decided those two wards should be reserved for women. It was a local decision but we have to take into account the national priorities.



'We also want a balance in the party. That means encouraging younger people, women and more ethnic minorities to stand for election.'



The women-only shortlists will be held for council elections in the Orton Longueville and Stanground East wards of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.



All-woman lists in areas where councils are dominated by men have also been backed by Labour Party's National Executive Committee.



But father-of-two David Dent has accused the party of ignoring the needs of voters to have someone from their local area to represent them regardless of their sex.



Mr Dent planned to stand in the elections but stood down after Labour refused to let men apply.



He said: 'I feel really let down. I've devoted years to the party and to the area. I've really worked hard to help the community and people know me and I know the area.



'It was a difficult decision to leave the Labour Party but I felt I had to do it.

'You can't just have someone who doesn't know the area standing in a ward. You have to be active and be in touch with the local community.'



Labour has three male councillors and no female members on Peterborough City Council.

