Julie Redmond: More women in politics means less corruption

Julie Redmond is the Chairman of the Conservative Women’s Organisation for London North. Last year, she stood for Barking in the General Election and for Barnet & Camden in the London Assembly elections.

Corruption is one of the greatest threats to democratic governance, weakening public institutions, eroding trust in government, and diverting resources away from essential services. While corruption affects all societies, research consistently shows that women in public office are less likely to engage in corrupt practices than men (Dollar et al., 2001; Swamy et al., 2001). Studies suggest that greater female representation in government can enhance accountability and reduce corruption, particularly in democratic contexts (Esarey & Chirillo, 2013; Esarey & Schwindt-Bayer, 2017). Additionally, the presence of women in public service may help curb practices such as favouritism and petty corruption, reinforcing the case for increasing female representation at all levels of government, including in the UK (Bauhr, Charron & Wängnerud, 2018).

However, it is important to stress that advocating for more women in politics is not about being “anti-men.” Men face many challenges in today’s society, and addressing the gender imbalance in politics should not be seen as an attack on them. Instead, this discussion is about improving governance for everyone. The reality is that research across various countries has shown patterns of corruption linked to male-dominated political structures, making gender balance a necessary step toward better political accountability. Ensuring diverse leadership benefits society as a whole, not just women.

With women under-represented in British local councils, it is time to recognise the value they bring to governance and push for more gender balance in political decision-making.

A growing body of research suggests that women, on average, are less prone to corruption than men. Several key factors contribute to this trend:

Ethical standards and socialisation

Women are often socialised to adhere to higher ethical standards, emphasising honesty, responsibility, and fairness. Many studies indicate that women in leadership positions demonstrate greater concern for collective well-being and are more likely to prioritise public service over personal gain.

Lower participation in corrupt networks

Corruption often thrives in entrenched male-dominated networks, where political and business elites exchange favors, contracts, and bribes. Historically, women have been excluded from these networks, making them less likely to engage in corrupt activities. Even when they do attain power, women are often less willing to adopt the corrupt practices that characterise these male-dominated systems.

Greater risk aversion

Research in behavioral economics shows that women tend to be more risk-averse than men. Corruption involves significant risks, including legal consequences, reputational damage, and career loss. Women’s natural inclination toward risk aversion may discourage them from engaging in corrupt behaviours.

Higher accountability pressures

Female politicians and bureaucrats often face greater scrutiny than their male counterparts. A woman in power is more likely to be judged harshly for ethical failings, making her more cautious about engaging in corruption. This heightened accountability can serve as a deterrent against unethical behaviour.

Policy priorities that reduce corruption

Studies suggest that women in government are more likely to focus on social welfare policies, education, and healthcare sectors that require transparency and good governance. By emphasising these areas, female politicians contribute to a culture of accountability and integrity in public service.

Beyond corruption, women reduce electoral manipulation

Research in the Dominican Republic highlights an important additional benefit of female participation in government. In politicised constituencies, bureaucrats are often used as tools for electoral manipulation, mobilising support for ruling parties or rewarding political allies with public resources. However, findings suggest that women in public administration are less likely to engage in these practices, instead fostering a more professional and impartial bureaucracy (Schuster & Oliveros, 2017).

Although not in the UK, this is a crucial insight. Electoral manipulation undermines democracy and weakens trust in government. If increasing female participation in public service can reduce this practice, then gender-inclusive hiring policies should be seen as a key strategy for improving governance.

Why the UK needs more female councillors

While the UK has made progress in promoting women in national politics, local government remains overwhelmingly male-dominated. As of 2023, only about 35 per cent of councillors in England were women, with even lower representation in certain regions. This gender imbalance limits the effectiveness of local councils and weakens democracy.

Here’s why the UK urgently needs more female councillors:

• Improving Decision-Making and Representation. Local councils make decisions that affect everyday life, from housing policies to public transport and social care. Yet, with men disproportionately occupying these positions, many decisions fail to reflect the perspectives and needs of women. Increasing female representation ensures that policies are more inclusive and responsive to the entire population.
• Reducing Corruption and Political Patronage. Schuster’s research suggests that women in government contribute to cleaner, more accountable governance. With more women in local councils, we can expect reduced cronyism, greater transparency in decision-making, and a stronger focus on public service over political self-interest.
• Strengthening Public Trust in Local Government. Public trust in local councils has declined in recent years, partly due to scandals, financial mismanagement, and perceptions of political self-interest. Female leadership has been shown to enhance public trust in government by promoting transparency, ethical decision-making, and more community-focused policies.
• Focusing on Community Well-Being. Women in local government are more likely to prioritise issues such as social care, education, and public health. These areas are critical for community well-being but often receive less attention in male-dominated councils. By increasing female representation, councils can adopt a more balanced and socially responsible approach to governance.
• Encouraging More Women to Enter Politics. A lack of female councillors discourages other women from pursuing political careers. Increasing representation creates role models for younger generations and helps break down barriers that prevent women from entering politics.

How to increase female representation in local councils

To address the gender imbalance in local government, the UK must take concrete steps to encourage more women to run for office:

• Gender Quotas: Implementing voluntary or mandatory quotas for female candidates can ensure that more women are elected to councils.
• Mentorship and Training: Providing mentorship programs and political training for women can help them develop the skills and confidence to run for office.
• Flexible Working Policies: Many women are discouraged from entering politics due to family and caregiving responsibilities. Councils should introduce more flexible working arrangements to accommodate women’s needs.
• Campaign Funding Support: Women often face financial barriers when running for office. Political parties and advocacy groups should provide funding and logistical support for female candidates.

Women as the key to better governance

The evidence is clear: Women in politics and public administration are less corrupt, more transparent, and more likely to prioritise community well-being. Professor Christian Schuster’s research highlights that beyond reducing corruption, women also help depoliticise public administration, fostering greater professionalism and integrity in governance.

However, this is not about dismissing the challenges men face or suggesting that all male politicians are corrupt. Instead, it is about recognising that balanced leadership including more women creates stronger, more effective governance.

In the UK, where local councils remain male-dominated, increasing female representation is not just about fairness, it is about improving democracy and governance. More female councillors mean better decision making, greater accountability, and stronger communities.

As the country seeks to build a more transparent, effective, and representative political system, encouraging more women to enter local government should be a top priority. If we want cleaner politics and stronger communities, the answer is simple: elect more women.