Dame Tessa Jowell, the labour politician who was once minister for women, will be the keynote speaker at a female leadership conference in Limehouse.

The MP will be the guest of honour at the “Making it Happen” event in May, which will explore the issues behind the deficit of women in leadership positions in the UK.

The conference, which was organised by the female empowerment charity Progressive Women, is designed to equip female attendees with the skills necessary to achieve their leadership potential.

Dame Tessa said: “I am delighted to be speaking at Making it Happen. There are not enough women in leadership positions – they make up only 22.5 per cent of MPs and hold 17.3 per cent of FTSE 100 director positions.

“This Progressive Women event will galvanise action to rectify the deplorable lack of women decision-makers at the top of UK society.”

The event is being held at the Royal Foundation of Saint Katherine in Butcher Row on Saturday, May 11. Tickets cost £20 and are available at www.progressivewomen.org.uk.