David Cameron's 'women's problem' just wont go away - Telegraph.co.uk

"That kind of clique network was reinforced in Cameron's case by the people who worked for him in opposition, the people who supported him in his leadership bid."

This is not the type of appraisal Mr Cameron needs right now, having already faced criticism for having just four female MPs in his cabinet, following a controversial reshuffle in September.

He is also in danger of breaking his pre election pledge to have a third of ministerial jobs taken up by women by 2015. And his Government has faced a barrage of criticism for the cuts disproportionately affecting women over the last two years.

But it is a Number 10 source's comments to the Evening Standard which paints the most distressing picture of all.

They said: "Dame Helen has got her facts wrong. There are a number of prominent women in the PM's senior team."

But this isn't a numbers game. Yes of course female representation is incredibly important and as much as possible should be done by Mr Cameron to support good women in politics.

How can he expect businesses to promote more women onto boards and to senior management if he isn't leading by example in his own backyard?

However, what Dame Helen is really highlighting in her scathing put-down, is a lack of female influence in the current Government, which is worrying for the electorate and politicians.

There may be a few choice women may have a seat at the top table – but do they really have the ear of the chief? Does Mr Cameron actually listen to them? And if not, how do they break through the seemingly impenetrable male clique?

We have all been there – talking at a meeting - but not being listened to by those who really make the decisions.

Undoubtedly there are also lots of men left out of the Prime Minister's cosy clique. But what's really worrying is still how much of a boys' club Westminster is in 2012.

Dame Helen, who enjoyed a 33-year career in Whitehall before becoming permanent secretary at the Home Office, added women could be excluded given the importance of networks in public life. "I do think the fact that politics is so driven by networks does impact on women.

"Women don't network. It is actually quite difficult for a woman to get in as part of an Old Etonian clique. They are far too busy doing other things, like bringing up their children, looking after their constituency.

"That kind of networking is actually a harder thing for women to do."

Mr Cameron really has been issued his final warning by Dame Helen and he needs to act on it fast. However, his Etonian clique may not be the best lot to advise him on this particular response.