CCHQ has just published the number of points that each MEP candidate was awarded in last week's elections. It reveals that few women would have been awarded top slots if the preferential system had not been in place:
In London Marina Yannakoudis was awarded the highest place for non-incumbents although three men - JP Floru, Warwick Lightfoot and Bob Seely - all won more support from the grassroots.
In the South East Therese Coffey and Sarah Richardson beat all men in the voting.
In the Eastern region Vicky Ford was awarded the highest place for non-incumbents even though John Flack won more support from members.
In the East Midlands Emma McClarkin was awarded second place even though Rupert Matthews received a better vote from members.
In the West Midlands Anthea McIntyre finished ahead of all men in terms of grassroots support.
In Yorkshire and the Humber Fleur Butler was ranked ahead of Matthew Bean and Nick Burrows although they both received more support from the grassroots.
In the North East Barbara Musgrave was awarded second place although Richard Bell enjoyed more support.
In the North West Jacqueline Foster and Fiona Bruce won more support than any of the non-incumbent men in the selection. Fiona Bruce has apparently dropped out after very narrowly finishing behind Jacqueline Foster.
In the South West Julie Girling received slightly less support than Ashley Fox but was ranked above him.
In Wales Dr Kay Swinburne was awarded top place although Evan Price won more support from the grassroots.
In Scotland Belinda Don and Helen Gardiner both beat all men in the voting.
IN CONCLUSION: Supporters of the preferential ranking for women will say that these results vindicate the system. Without it they say far fewer women would be in positions where they could be elected as MEPs. Critics will say that candidates less respected by the grassroots have prospered and will wonder if this system has really produced the candidates best qualified to be MEPs.
We do not yet know if CCHQ will publish turnout and spoilt ballots data.