Political Bias
Before 1912 the NUWSS were not officially allied with any party however, the Conciliation Bill of 1911 had an effect because although it had a majority the Liberal government did not give it enough time in parliament for further debate. (This was because the speaker Sir James Lowther opposed votes for women. ) Consequently, it did not become law.
Labour from 1903 was tied into an alliance with the Liberals and its leadership was divided on the issue of female emancipation. Although, the 1913 Party Conference agreed to oppose any franchise bill that didn’t include extension of the franchise for women as well. This is because of a northwest campaign that effectively changed opinion. This party consistently supported women suffrage in the years before the war.
Also, Fawcett was becoming infuriated with the Liberals (although she was Liberal herself) delaying tactics and her response was to help Labour candidates against Liberal ones at election time. In 1912 the NUWSS established the Elections Fighting Fund Committee (EFF) that was headed by Catherine Marshall. This backed Labour and in 1913-14 the EFF intervened in four by-elections and although Labour won none, the Liberals lost two.
The NUWSS allying itself with Labour put pressure on the Liberals, because the Liberals' political future depended on Labour staying weak.
Read more about this topic: National Union Of Women's Suffrage Societies
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