REDDITCH'S MP has been elected as chairman of an influential parliamentary women’s group.

Rachel Maclean is the chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Women in Parliament.

APPGs are informal cross-party groups that are run by and for members of the Commons and Lords, but they may choose to involve individuals and organisations from outside Parliament in their administration and activities.

The group meets at least four times a year, and organises other special events, including annually for International Women’s Day.

Mrs Maclean Said: “I am absolutely passionate about engaging more women into Parliament. A record number of women were elected to Parliament in 2017, and Redditch as a constituency has a proud history of women Members of Parliament – both Labour and Conservative - but there is still a lot more work to do.

“I was very proud, especially on the 100th anniversary since Parliament gave women the right to vote, to be elected into this position and will do all that I can to promote these aims.”