Tory MP becomes first to announce they are trans in 'powerful message'

A Tory MP has come out as trans in a deeply personal statement today - making them the first MP in British history to make the announcement.

Jamie Wallis, the Tory MP for Bridgend in South Wales since 2019, shared the news on their website earlier today (March 30). In the statement, Dr Wallis said: “I’m trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be. I’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I’ve felt this way since I was a very young child.

"I had no intention of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud. Being an MP and hiding something like this was always going to be tough, but I arrogantly assumed I was up for it. Well, I’m not."

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In the post, Wallis revealed that there was a ‘close call’ of being outed in April 2020 after someone blackmailed them and outed them to their father. “He wanted £50,000 to keep quiet,” Dr Wallis said. “The police were so supportive, so understanding and on this occasion the system worked. He pled guilty and was sentenced to 2yrs and 9mnths in prison.”

Since the statement was shared, Dr Wallis has been praised by campaigners and MP colleagues. The Mirror reports Liz Truss, Minister for Women and Equalities, as writing: "Well done Jamie Wallis for speaking out and your brave statement. We stand with you."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who last night made a joke about trans issues in a speech to MPs, tweeted: "Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage. Thank you @JamieWallisMP for your bravery, which will undoubtedly support others.

"The Conservative Party I