Woman's Hour - 23/04/2009

With Jenni Murray. When Labour swept into power in 1997, many people credited their victory to their ability to galvanise the women's vote, which historically had favoured the Conservatives. Another election looms but with the Government stricken by the economic crisis, public cynicism over MP's expenses and backroom political shenanigans, which way will women turn next time? Can Labour hold on to their vote? Jenni is joined by the Labour MP for Keighley, Ann Cryer; Head of the Equality and Employment Rights Department at the TUC, Sarah Veal; and political commentator and journalist for The Times Rachel Sylvester. For more than 30 years Sandra Howard has been the dutiful wife of Michael Howard MP, the former leader of the Conservative Party. Having been a successful Vogue model in the 1960s she was seen as adding a touch of glamour to her husband's image, and was happy to devote her life to helping his career. But now, with three novels published, the media spotlight has turned to her and it is Michael who must play the supporting spouse. Jenni talks to Sandra and Michael Howard about how they're coping with the shifting balances in their relationship. Jenni is joined by one of the world's most gifted violinists, Sarah Chang. The American virtuoso was an exceptionally talented child, making her debut with the New York Philharmonic when she was only eight years old. Now 28, she has left the 'child prodigy' tag behind her and regularly collaborates with leading orchestras and conductors across the world, including Sir Simon Rattle and Gustavo Dudamel.