Lib Dem Baroness Barker: I hope Nicky Morgan will use her position to make life better for all women

PinkNews logo on a pink background surrounded by illustrated line drawings of a rainbow, pride flag, unicorn and more.

Lib Dem peer Baroness Barker has said she hopes the newly appointed Minister for Women will take the opportunity to “make life better” for lesbian, bi and trans women, despite having voted against same-sex marriage.

David Cameron’s new Minister for Women, Tory MP Nicky Morgan voted against same-sex marriage by stating “marriage is between a man and a woman.”

In a government reshuffle on Wednesday, sparked by the resignation of Maria Miller, Ms Morgan, MP for Loughborough, was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Women.

Baroness Barker told PinkNews: “Nicky Morgan has a rare opportunity to make life better for women, including those who are lesbians, bi or trans. I look forward to hearing from the Minister how she intends to include us on issues such as health, education and employment.”

After voting against same-sex marriage last year, Ms Morgan said: “I totally support civil partnerships and that same-sex relationships are recognised in law. But marriage, to me, is between a man and a woman.”

Mrs Miller, former culture secretary, resigned from government this morning following sustained political and media criticism for over claiming on expenses.

The Basingstoke MP was the minister responsible for steering same-sex marriage through the House of Commons last year.