Who’s invited?

How we are identifying representatives for our 2026 local election debates.

On 7 May 2026, people across our region will vote in local elections that shape our daily lives. These decisions affect our safety, our opportunities, our public spaces, and our futures.

At One Million Women and Girls, we believe women and girls deserve to hear directly from the people who want to represent them. And they deserve the chance to ask the questions that matter most. That’s why we are holding local election debates in every North East Combined Authority area with elections. We are creating spaces where women and girls can be heard. Spaces where their voices help shape the future of our region.

But to do this well, we must make sure our debates are fair, balanced and genuinely useful for voters. Here’s how we are identifying representatives for each area.

We recognise that:

• each local authority area has a different mix of political parties represented in their existing councillor profile

• some local authorities have a significant number of independent candidates who act as a block and vote together on some issues

• national polling suggests some parties that currently have no or few councillors in an area may win seats in the forthcoming elections

In order for the debate to be engaging and informative for voters, we want no more than six representatives at each event.

We will therefore invite representatives from the four political parties (or group of more than three independents, where the group feels comfortable being represented by an individual) who have the most seats currently in that authority. We will then invite representatives from the next two highest polling parties (as identified through polling taken from Electoral Calculus from the first week of February 2026).

For example Newcastle Council currently has the following councillors:

• Labour - 34

• Lib Dem - 22

• East End Independents - 6

• Green - 4

• Newcastle Independents - 3

• Conservative - 1

• Independents (non-aligned) - 6

So, for this debate we would invite representatives from: Labour, Lib Dem, East End Independents, and Green, plus Reform and Conservatives.

Why this approach matters

We want these debates to reflect the reality of politics in our region today. And we want them to reflect the choices voters may face tomorrow.

This approach allows us to include voices that already represent communities, while also recognising that change can and does happen. Most importantly, it helps us create debates that are focused, meaningful and worth your time. Because this is not about political theatre, it’s about accountability and making sure the people who want to represent our communities listen to women and girls.

Creating space for women and girls to be heard

For too long, women and girls have been underrepresented in political conversations. We are working to change that.

These debates are an opportunity to ask questions. To raise issues. To challenge candidates. And to make it clear that women and girls across the North East are paying attention. Together, we are building a stronger, fairer region. A region where women and girls are equal, represented and valued.

Keep an eye on our socials and event pages for debate dates. We look forward to welcoming you.