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Truss and Kemi snub LGBT Tories

Rishi Sunak pledges to be an ally of the LGBT community at the 2021 Tory conference. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

As the Tory leadership race unfolds, there’s plenty of votes up for grabs. Both Liz Truss and Kemi Badenoch are competing for the Tory right but there’s one group of voters which neither seems especially interested in. LGBT+ Conservatives, one of the biggest groupings within the Tory party, sent out a survey to each candidate this week, asking for their views on related policy areas.

Patrons of the group include Ruth Davidson, Andy Street and David Mundell. Unfortunately, while Penny Mordaunt, Tom Tugendhat and Rishi Sunak all chose to respond, neither Badenoch or Truss – both of whom have served as ministers for equalites – chose not to respond, despite the surveys being sent on Monday. Will that make a difference when it comes to next week’s voting?

The three questions were ‘What are your main priorities for the LGBT+ community?’ ‘How will you tackle the rising problem of transphobia within the Conservative party?’ and ‘Why should LGBT Conservative members get your vote?’ Tom Tugendhat used his answers to refer to equality within the Armed Forces, championed the case of Jamie Wallis, spoke about the need for ‘dignity and respect’ and said ‘we need a rebuilding of trust’. He added:

For the LGBT+ community in particular, what I’m offering I think is getting beyond the division of the past and trying to have a more unified message, something that brings us together, getting beyond wedge issues and actually focusing on what delivers for us all.

A tacit rejoinder to the last few years perhaps? Penny Mordaunt meanwhile made no specific mention of the trans community after the controversy of her past comments. She did however say that:

When I led London Pride Parade in 2019, I was proud to be representing country, armed forces, and also LGBT+ Conservatives. I want to ensure that every time you go to such events, you can be proud of your party and your country.

And finally Sunak said that:

From ending new HIV transmissions by 2030, to addressing instances of hate crime, to fostering a more tolerant, accepting society – there are many areas we need to address to improve the lives of LGBT+ people.   

You can read the full statements here.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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