Labour councillor quits party after puberty blocker ban policy

A councillor has left the Labour Party over a dispute regarding its trans policies.

Zoe Hughes, an Exeter City Council member, expressed disagreement with the party’s support of a ban on puberty blockers for individuals under 18 who are questioning their gender identity, stating it was “a policy I refuse to stand by and accept.” Elected as the Labour councillor for the Pennsylvania ward in May, Hughes will now serve as an Independent.

The Labour Party explained that its decision prioritised the welfare of children and was based on all available evidence, according to ‘BBC’.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced in December that the temporary ban on puberty blockers introduced in May would be made indefinite across the UK, following a consultation and advice from the Commission on Human Medicines.

Hughes remarked, “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.”

Hughes, who uses “they” and “them” pronouns, felt “nervous” when Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed a desire to meet author JK Rowling, who has voiced concerns about the impact of trans issues on women’s rights.

Hughes warned of “increasing self-harm” resulting from the puberty blocker decision 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.”

A Labour Party spokesperson emphasised that children’s healthcare “must always put welfare first and be led by evidence.” The spokesperson noted the Commission on Human Medicines had “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.”

The government stated it is working “to improve children's gender services to provide all-round holistic support” and is “committed to the wellbeing, safety and dignity of trans people of all ages.”

Phil Bialyk, the Labour leader of Exeter City Council, commented, “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.”

In March 2024, the NHS ceased routinely prescribing puberty blocker treatments to those under 18, following the Cass Review into gender identity services. Paediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, in the independent review, stated that children had been “let down” by the lack of reliable evidence on medicine for those questioning their gender. The review has faced criticism from some medical professionals, and the British Medical Association announced it would maintain “a neutral position” on its recommendations.