Lisa Nandy: Screamer of trans rights, or clever politician?

Many labour party members have criticised the labour leadership candidate over her response to a pledge card asking her whether she’d agree to expelling leader members who belong to anti-trans groups, such as Woman’s Place UK. However, her response was arguably only polarising because she said that she had to take time to think it over before she signed the pledge, due to how the card was phrased.

She also raised a valid point about the use of pledge cards in campaigns and how they are often phrased so that they pit groups of people against each other. This is obviously counter-intuitive to someone who wants to get people to vote for them, as they need to appeal to a large selection of prospective voters.

Clearly, there is an issue with these pledge cards, and it is simply bad luck that Nandy had to take time on this one, despite her obviously believing in Trans rights, as she later responded that “anyone who identifies as a woman” should be able to run in all-women groups.

So, I without a doubt believe that this slip-up was simply just unfortunate circumstances, and not, as some suggest, subtle transphobia, or her trying to appeal to all potential voters.

She has shown those in the trans community that she views them as being valid and that they deserve a safe space within politics.

She also remarked that she wouldn’t back the removal of whole organisations from politics, but instead would operate on an individual basis, based on bigoted behaviour, that members of the Labour party exhibit.

For some this may not be enough, but for me, it has shown that she is willing to stand with our trans brothers and sisters, and will protect their rights, and their safety.

Labour election lisa nandy Pledge card politics Trans rights

Last modified: 5th March 2020