The Conservatives have backed a government bill aimed at allowing political parties to apply positive action to increase the number of women MPs.

"We support the principle of allowing political parties greater flexibility in selecting their candidates. This bill gives parties that freedom and we will not oppose it," said Tory spokesman on women's affairs Theresa May. Following the unexpected support the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Bill received its second reading.

Meanwhile, a report published by the Equal Opportunities Commission yesterday showed that a third of parliamentary candidates faced sex discrimination at the last election.