Garrick members’ poll backs admitting women

THE battle for gender equality at one of London’s last remaining gentlemen’s clubs has moved a step closer after an internal poll found a majority of members favour admitting women.

The survey at the Garrick, which counts Hugh Bonneville, Stephen Fry and Michael Gove among its members, found that 51 per cent were in favour of dropping the men-only rule, with 44 per cent against.

According to the Guardian, club chairman Christopher Coker emailed members with the result, writing: “This has been a most helpful exercise and the general committee is extremely grateful.

“Quite clearly you are all engaged with the club and you care about it a great deal.”

However, it is not yet clear how the club’s organising committee will respond to the poll.

The 180-year-old club is one of a handful of establishments that still do not permit women becoming members, including White’s and the East India Club.