An intersectional feminist political party which sacked one of its senior members over transgender issues has made the difficult decision to abolish itself after receiving sarcastic praise for its ‘stunning’ election wins.
The Women’s Equality party – founded by comedian Sandi Toksvig and writer Catherine Mayer in 2015 – championed causes such as ‘sex work is work’ and ‘tackling misogyny and racism’.
But now, the founders have regretfully explained they are backing a motion to close the party after ‘much soul-searching’ – and winning a single council seat in the local elections.
A lengthy article for the Observer published today sees the party co-founders cite financial challenges and a changed political and media landscape as reasons why it is ‘no longer the most effective vehicle for change’.
‘We reached this decision after much soul-searching and against the pleadings of our own hearts,’ a spokesman said.
Writer Sandi Toksvig, author Sophie Walker, authoer Catherine Mayer at the Women’s Equality Party policy launch in London
Sandi Toksvig appearing as host on the television quiz show QI. The Women’s Equality party – founded by comedian Sandi Toksvig and writer Catherine Mayer in 2015 – championed causes such as ‘sex work is work’ and ‘tackling misogyny and racism’
Stock photo of a transgender flag being waved at LGBT gay pride march. In 2018 the WE sacked one of its most senior officials after she raised concerns about adults labelling children as transgender
They added: ‘WE’s executive and steering committees have been examining options, and we both initially gravitated towards ideas that would preserve the party, keenly aware of the implications for staff, volunteers, members, supporters, elected representatives and voters.
‘Whatever conference decides, our immediate concern is to ensure that not a single activist takes this discussion as a deterrent to ambition. WE’s history carries exactly the opposite message, a prompt to action on as grand a scale as possible. If one small, but mighty party can do so much, what could not be achieved with more resources?’
The Spectator Magazine has sarcastically referred to the party’s ‘stunning electoral success’ following the decision, highlighting how the recent General Election, which saw the party field four candidates across the country, gave them a combined total of 1275 votes.
Leader of the Women’s Equality Party Sophie Walker addresses a rally in Londons Hyde Park against governments implementation of pensions age equalisation policy, which increased the female state pension age from 60 to 66
Sophie Walker (centre) and Harini Lyengar (right) from the Women’s Equality Party take part in a demonstration outside the High Court in London before a case brought by former sex workers against the government
Sophie Walker, the leader of the Women’s Equality Party speaking at the launch of the party’s general election manifesto at party headquarters in London. Women’s Equality Party general election campaigning, London, UK – 12 May 2017
In 2018 the WE sacked one of its most senior officials after she raised concerns about adults labelling children as transgender.
Dr Heather Brunskell-Evans said on BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze programme that some parents and medical staff were now too quick to diagnose children confused about their gender as being trapped in the wrong body.
She was subsequently dismissed from her position as spokesman for violence against women and girls.
The university lecturer, a senior fellow at Kings College London, said she felt ‘betrayed’ over her dismissal and quit the party.
She added: ‘I am a woman, I’ve worked for women all my life and one trans woman made a complaint about something which I think was a reasonable statement to make.
‘When I first joined the Women’s Equality Party, I thought it was going to be revolutionary and that we would all be free of gender because it is a restrictive, socially constructed concept.
‘But now the party is acting as if biology is a social invention and gender is inherent in a person from birth.
‘I didn’t sign up to that. I feel betrayed.’
Dr Brunskell-Evans was backed by veteran feminist Julie Bindel, who condemned the party for ‘bowing to pressure from the trans lobby’ in the sacking.
Nevertheless the party suggests it is ‘proud’ of its legacy in light of the abolition decision, saying ‘first-past-the-post elections most sharply disadvantage exactly those people whose voices are lacking in politics, marginalised women and minorities’.
The spokesman added: ‘At the 2019 general election, WE showcased a different route to winning, fielding survivors of violence to stand against five MPs facing unresolved allegations of abuse and harassment. Not one of those MPs returned to parliament. Which other parties do you know that can boast an electoral clean sweep?’
The final decision on abolition will be taken by the party’s 5,600 paying members at a special conference on 17 November.