FAQs

Who are the Deputy Leaders?

Why do we need Deputy Leaders?

What arrangements are in place whilst the Leader is on maternity leave?

What do the Deputy Leaders do?

When were the Deputy Leaders appointed, how were they chosen, and how long will they be in position for?

Who do the Deputies report to and what authority do they have?

Will the Deputies be paid for these roles?

Who are the Deputy Leaders?

We currently have three Deputy Leaders. They are Sophia Moreau, Kay Wesley and Harriet Williams, who were appointed by the Leader in November 2023 and announced at conference. Sophia and Harriet have been appointed for a year. Kay will be a Deputy Leader until May, when she will become Mayor of Congleton, and Stacy Hart will then take over from her. They bring a wealth of personal, professional and political experience to the leadership of our party. As a party we recognise that women are not a monolith and it’s a source of strength and pride to have a model which practises shared leadership.

Find out more about the Deputy Leaders >>

Why do we need Deputy Leaders?

The Women’s Equality Party has achieved amazing things - we have much to be proud of and to celebrate. Since we formed in 2016 the crises we have seen have raised the stakes for women in ways none of us could have imagined. To meet the challenges that lie ahead we will need stamina, resilience and ingenuity at all levels of our party. Many hands make light work and diverse perspectives are a key ingredient of good decision making. The Deputy Leaders work closely with the Steering Committee and Central Office team, and can deputise for the Leader and represent the party - which is particularly important whilst the Leader is on maternity leave.

What arrangements are in place whilst the Leader is on maternity leave?

Whilst party Leader, Mandu Reid is on maternity leave from November 2023, party President Catherine Mayer, who is already a spokesperson for the party, will be stepping up as the party’s lead spokesperson. The three Deputy Leaders (who work part-time and flexibly) will also substitute for the Leader during maternity leave as spokespeople, within the party and as part of the fundraising team.

Find out more about the Leader’s Office maternity leave arrangements >>

What do Deputy Leaders do?

The Deputy Leaders represent and serve the party - they help to deliver the party’s mission, for instance by playing a role in fundraising or acting as a spokesperson for the party. They will also work within the party with members, branches and caucus, supported and guided by the Central Office team. The call on their time will vary depending on the pressures and priorities of the Party, but they will all work part-time and flexibly and are paid a nominal ‘contractor fee’ for each period of service.

When were the Deputy Leaders appointed, how were they chosen, and how long will they be in position for?

Deputy Leaders are chosen by the Leader, as set out in the Constitution. The current Deputy Leaders were appointed by the Leader in November 2023 and were announced at conference. Sophia and Harriet have been appointed for a year. Kay will be a Deputy Leader until May, when she will become Mayor of Congleton, and Stacy will then take over from her. 

The Deputy Leaders will represent and serve the party - they will do so by supporting and advising the Leader or being deployed by staff to help to deliver the party’s mission, for instance by playing a role in fundraising or leading projects. When appropriate, they may deputise for the Leader as Chief Spokesperson. The call on their time will vary depending on the pressures and priorities of the Party, but as a minimum the expectation is that they will commit to at least 2 days per month of service in addition to any other roles they perform for the Party Each deputy will be paid a nominal ‘contractor fee’ for each period of service. They will also be expected to support and mentor party members.

Who do the Deputies report to and what authority do they have?

The work of the Deputy Leaders is overseen by the Steering Committee, and they work closely with the Central Office team too, but ultimately - they are accountable to you, the membership.

Will the Deputies be paid for these roles?

Each deputy will be paid a nominal ‘contractor fee’ for each period of service.