Labour ‘plots to put ex-minister Harriet Harman in charge of equalities watchdog’ despite her support for controversial gender ideology and positive discrimination [Video]

04:46 EDT 03 Jul 2024, updated 04:47 EDT 03 Jul 2024

Labour is considering putting trans ally ex-minister Harriet Harman in charge of the equalities watchdog if it takes power, it was reported today.

The former deputy Labour leader, who is standing down as an MP after more than 40 years, is said to be a candidate to lead the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Its current leader, Baroness Falkner, has taken a tough stance on gender ideology and defended women’s rights. 

But a plan for the Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch to extend a five-year term due to end in November was scuppered by Rishi Sunak calling a surprise early election.

If appointed Ms Harman will be a highly controversial choice as she is an outspoken supporter of trans rights and has said trans men cannot be fully excluded from women’s services.

In a 2022 interview with Sky the 73-year-old said: ‘I stand behind the Gender Recognition Act, so …