Exeter Councillor resigns over Labour's transgender policy

A Exeter City councillor has resigned from the Labour Party, citing disagreements over its stance on transgender issues, particularly its support for a ban on puberty blockers for under-18s questioning their gender identity.

Zoe Hughes, who represents the Pennsylvania ward on Exeter City Council, announced they would now serve as an Independent. Elected in May as a Labour councillor, Hughes said the party’s policies on this issue were "a policy I refuse to stand by and accept."

Hughes, who identifies as queer and uses "they/them" pronouns, expressed disappointment with the Labour Party, stating: “As a queer person, I have often felt alone and marginalised within society. However, I historically have felt that at least the Labour Party had my back.”

Their decision to leave the party follows the announcement by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in December that a temporary ban on puberty blockers, introduced in May 2024, would be made indefinite.

The decision came after consultation and advice from the Commission on Human Medicines, which concluded that prescribing puberty blockers to children for gender dysphoria posed "an unacceptable safety risk."

Hughes described the policy as harmful, warning of "increasing self-harm" within an "already vulnerable and marginalised group.” They added: “We have let the LGBT+ community down and I want no part of it – there is no LGB without the T for me, it is that simple.”

The Labour Party defended its stance, emphasising the importance of prioritising children’s welfare and basing its decisions on evidence. A spokesperson said: “Children’s healthcare must always put welfare first and be led by evidence. The Commission on Human Medicines thoroughly examined all the available evidence and concluded that prescribing puberty blockers to children for the purposes of gender dysphoria represents an unacceptable safety risk in the current prescribing environment.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also faced criticism from some within the LGBT+ community, particularly after meeting with author JK Rowling, who has voiced concerns about how transgender issues impact women’s rights.

Hughes said they were "nervous" about the implications of such meetings and their signal to the wider LGBT+ community.

Exeter City Council leader Phil Bialyk expressed disappointment over Hughes’ departure but acknowledged their contribution. “I’m naturally disappointed that councillor Hughes felt they had to leave. I respect that decision, however, people should not underestimate the level of commitment required to be a councillor and to be a member of a political group.”

The NHS had already stopped the routine prescription of puberty blockers for under-18s in March 2024, following the findings of the Cass Review into gender identity services. The review, led by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, highlighted a lack of reliable evidence on the use of such medications for children. The British Medical Association has taken a neutral stance on the review’s recommendations, but the findings have been met with criticism from some medical professionals and advocacy groups.

The government said it remains committed to improving children’s gender services and ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of trans people of all ages.

However, Hughes’ resignation highlights ongoing divisions within the Labour Party and wider society on the handling of transgender rights and healthcare.