Ask any Liberal about female representation within the party, and he or she will proudly point to Enid Lyons. Lyons was the first female member of Federal Parliament, and she was a Liberal - first elected in 1943, then re-elected twice with increased majorities.

In 1949, Robert Menzies appointed Lyons the vice-president of the executive council, making her the first female member of cabinet.

But other parts of the Lyons story are not boasted so proudly. Like her disappointment at not being offered a portfolio. Or her complaint that her vice-presidency was a “toothless position”, or her remark that her colleagues “only wanted me to pour the tea”.

Dame Enid Lyons, circa 1951.

This week the question of female representation within the Liberal Party has flared up, with news of the pre-selection loss of sitting member Jane Prentice, followed by reports Victorian Senator Jane Hume and NSW MP Ann Sudmalis may also face the pre-selection chop.