Kennedy: more guys than girls

Getting more female MPs is an "urgent" priority for the Lib Dems, Charles Kennedy said on Sunday.

Speaking as his party prepared to debate women-only shortlists, the Lib Dem leader stressed the issue had to be addressed.

"For the House of Commons we have got to be more representative of the country we represent," said Kennedy.

"Therefore some form of positive discrimination it seems to me is now imperative.

"It is one issue the party has to decide what shape or form that will take."

Kennedy is said to back a policy of ensuring that there is at least one woman in the top two candidates considered for selection.

Whilst the Lib Dems' representation in the House of Commons has grown over recent years the party has just three female MPs.

Last week Kennedy said he was "tearing his hair out" in trying to find a way to ensure the percentage of women Lib Dem MPs is increased.