The Liberal Democrats are facing new criticism from women’s rights activists after the party’s conference handed a women-only award to a transgender councillor. The party holds an annual awards ceremony at its Bournemouth gathering, where it dishes out gongs to celebrate the work done by its members and elected politicians.
One of the awards, named after former Lib Dem MP Patsy Carlton, is meant to honour “exceptional women ranging from councillors, to members, to parliamentarians”. However, this year the prestigious honour went to Manchester councillor Chris Northwood, a transgender woman who was elected as the city’s first openly trans councillor and later deputy leader of the city’s Lib Dem group.
A video showed the councillor being described as someone “who has shown extraordinary dedication to the community and to our party. They’ve stood up for equality, affordable party and for women’s safety”.
There was an instant backlash, with the party’s women’s rights group condemning the award.
A spokesperson for Liberal Voice for Women told the Express: “Lib Dem MPs have repeatedly said they accept the Supreme Court ruling, yet twice this weekend they have shown these are just words.
“MPs did not support women in updating the party’s quotas to bring them in line with the ruling and now the Party has given a prize expressly reserved for women to a male councillor.
“What message does the party think this sends to women members and voters? The message seems to be women are not valued. This conference is rapidly appearing an act of self-sabotage, showing leadership does not have a grip.
“As Liberals, we say we respect and value the law, women’s rights, and free speech – yet our stance on sex-based rights betrays all these ideals. Our words look empty.
“The party needs to get its house in order, implement the Supreme Court ruling fully and demonstrate it is willing to listen to women speaking up for their sex-based rights and help protect those rights and our liberal principles.”
However, a spokesman for the party defended the decision, branding the councillor an “exceptional woman”.
“The message it sends to women members and voters is that the Liberal Democrats honour and value all of our women members,” said the spokesman.
The issue of women and transgender rights has hung over the party’s annual conference, with leader Sir Ed Davey refusing 10 times to say whether women can have penises.
During a feisty interview with Piers Morgan, Sir Ed said “there are a few” women who do not identify with the same gender they had at birth.
He admitted that transgender rights are “a difficult issue” in light of the obvious splits in his party.
On Saturday, Lib Dem conference organisers voted to oppose a full debate on women’s representation in the party, with trans activist members claiming the debate would allow transphobic views to be heard.
Lucas North, the treasurer of LGBT+ Liberal Democrats, described the motion as a “sham” and urged members to “reject the idea that trans identities are up for debate”.