Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

MCC delays new vote on women members

Adam Szreter
Wednesday 06 May 1998 19:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

THE MCC yesterday chose not to speed towards the seemingly inevitable introduction of women members in a move that could be seen as typical of the way English cricket is run both on and off the field.

At its annual general meeting at Lord's, when it was thought the possibility of another ballot this autumn on the issue of women members would be discussed, the MCC instead sent out questionnaires to its existing members asking why they voted against the idea of women members in February.

Whether the questionnaire would be entitled "What's Your Problem?" was not revealed, nor were the precise questions. What is clear though is that with 55 per cent in favour of women members at the last count, and the MCC committee and the English Cricket Board also in favour, the wishes of the minority are holding sway.

A two-thirds majority was needed to end 200 years of male exclusivity and the outgoing MCC president, Colin Ingleby-McKenzie, said yesterday: "As a result of the recent vote I have received a large number of letters and from these it is clear that members voting against ladies becoming members have several very real concerns.

"The committee intends to send out a questionnaire to all members and [then] we shall be in a better position fully to address these concerns."

There is little doubt that the MCC would like to act swiftly to put an end to this nonsense, on two counts. First, the club is fast becoming an object of ridicule; and secondly a clause in proposals by the Equals Opportunities Commission for the Government that would make private clubs with any kind of public role admit both sexes.

It now seems that there will be no change in the club's constitution this year, and it may be a long time before women are adorning the Long Room at Lord's as there is an 18-year waiting list for membership.

In a further sop to existing members Mr Ingleby- McKenzie made it clear that special dispensation for women to be elected to the club does not look likely.

Still, it's not all gloom and doom: as a special treat, and in accordance with practice over the past two years, members will be able to introduce ladies as guests at three games this year. So if you fancy watching MCC versus Scotland, for example, you won't necessarily have to be wearing trousers.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in