National AGM 2025

On May 17th, the National AGM for the Conservative Women’s Organisation was held. An opportunity for our members to come together from across the country and select the team to lead this historic organisation for the coming year. A wonderful Gala Lunch was held following the AGM, with guest speaker, Katy Bourne OBE, delivering a warm and uplifting keynote. We were also grateful to have the support of so many National Convention Officers, including Michael Winstanley and Stewart Harper.

It was also a time to say thank you to some retiring officers: our President, Eve Burt MBE and Chairman, Pamela Hall OBE. Whilst we were proud to appoint Pamela to the role of President, to continue to benefit from her expertise, Eve is now retiring from the team. She has served the CWO in many different roles for decades, being a fantastic friend to our organisation – always patient, kind and full of advice. We thank her whole-heartedly for her service and are pleased to appoint her as an Honorary Vice-President. We also thank Neeti Gupta, who completed her term as Deputy Chairman, for her service and were pleased to appoint her an Honorary Vice President too. Finally, our long-serving Fundraising and Events Officer, Cllr Seema Kumar, was also recently appointed an Honorary Vice-President as well.

The AGM ratified the 2025-2026 Officer team, appointing:

• Louise Brice (previously National Digital Officer and Deputy Chairman) as National Chairman;

• Hilary Scott (current Chairman for CWO South East) as Deputy Chairman;

• Tracy Stones (current Chairman for CWO Yorkshire) as Deputy Chairman;

• Susan Coleman as Deputy Chairman, continuing in her role;

• Alix Mathieson (Chairman of CWO Scotland) as Secretary;

• Nicole Richer (Chairman of Conservative Young Women) as National Digital Officer.

Our new Chairman, Louise Brice commented, “Throughout my time in politics, working with the CWO has been an absolute highlight, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue this work, following in the footsteps of our outgoing Chairman and newly appointed President Pamela Hall OBE. The CWO is a wonderful organisation, which has supported women into public life for over a century. Our development courses are aimed at practically preparing women for public life, whilst our grassroots network of campaigners support our members across the country.”