THE House of Commons threw open its doors to welcome hundreds of women from across the UK to Westminster to inspire them to stand for political office.

Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller welcomed Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councillor, Cllr Hannah Golding to take part in the #AskHerToStand event.

During the event Cllr Golding took part in workshops, talks, Prime Minister’s Questions, and to get a full first- hand picture of an MP’s day.

Taking part in the Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, 21 November, Mrs Miller called for more women to stand for Parliament.

Mrs Miller said: “All the evidence shows that diversity delivers better decision making, yet, over the past 100 years in this place, 4,503 men have been elected and just 491 women.”

Following the event Cllr Golding said: “The event was a great opportunity to see behind the scenes of Parliament and meet inspiring women who are making sure politics works better for women in the future.”

For more information on the #AskHerToStand event visit 5050parliament.co.uk.