Debbie Hayton Debbie Hayton

Penny Mordaunt and the Tory transgender divide

(Credit: Getty images)

As war rages in Europe and inflation rockets, the Tory party is tearing itself apart in its hunt for a new leader. Only days into the contest, the transgender debate is emerging as a key issue that divides the candidates. It’s a mistake to think of it as a niche issue: the question of women’s toilets and pronouns has the power to derail a leadership bid, as Penny Mordaunt may soon find out.

Suella Braverman, the Attorney General and one of the leadership hopefuls, has been clear in her frustration about the impact this debate has had on her. Last year, Braverman made history as the first cabinet minister to take maternity leave. Legislation needed to be passed, but it was not without controversy.

She told The Spectator‘s Katy Balls that ‘the original wording (of Ministerial and other Maternity Allowances (MOMA) Bill) said that pregnant persons were able to enjoy the benefits of the bill. I was quite disappointed, actually, that that wording was originally chosen.’

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