@Jayne - yes, I do think it matters that women are under-represented numerically. I object strongly to the crasser attempts that have been made at achieving some degree of parity, such as gender specific candidate lists, nor do I want quotas, but it is pitiful that more women and/or people from ethnic minorities are not in Parliament.
A democratic parliament is supposed to both represent the views of the electorate and reflect its society and culture, and homogenised parliaments are neither good for democracy or policymaking. Such homogeneity is another barrier to rebuilding public confidence in Parliament. In comparison to keeping their fingers out the till, it is a small hurdle, but still important.
Nor am I going to respond to yet another logical absurdity. The reason women should be in parliament is not simply to examine laws through the prism of gender, but to better reflect the fact that 50% or so of the population are female.
Finally - I don't believe that Diane Abbot will win a leadership contest, but her participating is a good thing coming as she claims from the Labour Left, being black and being female. The winning candidate needs to demonstrate personal qualities that make a good leader, be a moderniser, and be able to unite the party. Personally, I don't think she ticks any of those boxes, but her presence broadens the leadership debate.Whatever your thoughts on Labour, Democracy and Parliament is best served by having a strong opposition; that starts with the right choice of leader. Almost certainly one of the Millibands will get the job.