My personal ambition is to see equal representation for women at all levels of public office

David Triesman Party general secretary

The legislation, due to come into force within weeks, is a stepping stone towards Labour's commitment to have just under half of its MPs women.

But the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have already rejected the idea of women-only shortlists.

Shortfall

Women currently account for only 25% of Labour MPs - short of the 35% the party aims to have in place by the next election.

Labour's governing National Executive Committee is due to discuss shortly how to achieve the party's objective of improving the proportion of women and ethnic minority candidates.

On the opening day of Labour's Local Government and Women's Conference, Mr Triesman told a reception: "My personal ambition is to see equal representation for women at all levels of public office.

"I believe the party should adopt measures that ensure the selection of more women candidates and if that means all-women shortlists, then that's what we should do."

Labour is under pressure to introduce all-women shortlists, especially in areas like Wales, Scotland and the North East of England where there are fewer women MPs.

Cabinet Enforcer Minister Barbara Roache wants to get a voluntary agreement with constituencies but has warned that if necessary action would be imposed.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are also being urged to make sure more women get elected despite their rejecting calls for all-women shortlists.

A previous Labour attempt to use all-women shortlists was ruled illegal by an industrial tribunal.

But the government's Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Bill passed through its final Parliamentary stages this week.