CHESHAM and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan wants to see a change in women's attitudes to the idea of a career in politics so that the country gets more female MPs.

She wants them to get away from the idea that politics as a career is unrewarding and involves long hours.

She told the Business Women's Group of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce: 'We have only 14 in the Parliamentary party and I find this particularly depressing. I want to see them move up in the world of politics because they are interested, not as token MPs or through women shortlists. Women are capable and have a role to play in politics, but not through discrimination against men.'

She said when she went for the Chesham seat there were 207 other applicants to be candidates. 'I would like to think I was the best person for the job,' she added.

Mrs Gillan told the women who attended last Friday's afternoon tea at Danesfield House hotel, in Medmenham, where she was guest speaker, that she believed a sea change was needed to get away from the idea that a career in politics for women was unrewarding and involved long hours.

'I have had two previous careers I thought were very exciting but I would settle for this one every time,' she said. Above all there was the opportunity to make a difference, however small. The tiniest victory, she said, often gave the most satisfaction.