Leader Sophie Walker says ‘we’re doing politics differently’ as the Women’s Equality Party crowdfund their 2016 candidates’ deposits.

The Women’s Equality Party (WE) have raised £31,500 in less than a week in order to stand candidates in the London mayoral race, the London and Welsh Assembly elections and the Scottish Parliament elections next May.

“Our amazing members and supporters exceeded all our expectations, hitting the £31k target in 6 days, 22 hours and 50 minutes,” says party leader Sophie Walker. “They are determined WE become an electoral force, challenging seats in 2016. WE are a new political party, we’re growing fast, and we’re doing things differently.”

The party crowdsourced the ideas for its policy document, which was launched in October, as well as crowdfunding its deposit campaign and even crowdsourcing images to use on the campaign’s website.

“The incredible support we’ve received shows there is a real appetite for change,” Ms Walker continues. “For the first time people will have the chance to vote for candidates who are united in their determination to see women enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men."

This is more important than ever as the government announce the details of their spending review today, the date of the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. 

"WE are calling for more support for vital services for women and girls under threat," says Ms Walker. “WE will stand against those parties who are not doing enough to promote gender equality in this country. And WE are confident we will win.”

Notes to editors

The Women’s Equality Party announced on 18 November the launch of its 31 campaign to stand candidates in Scottish, Welsh and London elections in May. Read the full announcement here.

At the beginning of 2016 WE will announce our candidates. WE will continue raising money to strengthen the campaigns of the candidates that will stand for us next May. Donations will help support candidates in ways other parties often fall short of delivering. WE want to break down the barriers that prevent women from standing for election. Donations will fund: 

• Childcare costs for candidates who need support to campaign
• Mentoring during the entire campaign
• Bursaries to support candidates who would otherwise be unable to stand