LANCASHIRE County Council Leader Jenny Mein yesterday addressed a conference on the challenges facing female politicians.

She was speaking to a special conference for woman councillors from across the north west at the Friends Meeting House in Manchester.

She said: “It's an honour to be given the opportunity to talk to other women in politics about my experience of local government and in particular the challenges we all face as women in what is still a male-dominated environment.

“The unprecedented cuts in funding imposed by central government obviously make this a very challenging time for everyone in public services as we look at how we can safeguard services with less money.

“Events such as these offer an opportunity to share experiences and look at how best we can face the challenges ahead.”