Is Starmer a llama? Sir Keir's equality chief sparks ridicule for saying anyone can identify as the animal if they like... and everyone should treat them with 'dignity and respect' if they do!
Labour faced mockery over its stance on trans issues last night after it emerged that the party's equalities spokesperson said people could self-identify as a llama.
Ashley Dalton was ridiculed for saying that anyone who decides they're a South American cousin of the camel should be treated with 'dignity and respect'. She also came under fire for having insisted that if you identify 'as a female, then you are'.
The revelations come after Labour health spokesman Wes Streeting switched his stance on the trans issue earlier this month, admitting it was a mistake to say all trans women are women.
West Lancashire MP Ms Dalton, who entered the Commons in a 2023 by-election, was promoted by Sir Keir Starmer in November to Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities. But yesterday she was derided for her Twitter postings on trans issues and self-identification.
In 2016, she was asked by somebody in one Twitter exchange if a person decided they were a llama, should other people take them seriously. Ms Dalton replied: 'Yes. And treat you with dignity and respect.'
Left: Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Right: A llama
Ashley Dalton (pictured) was ridiculed for saying that anyone who decides they're a South American cousin of the camel should be treated with 'dignity and respect'
Labour sources hit back last night, stressing that her comments dated from before she was an MP and that the party had no plans to introduce self-identification of gender. But Tory insiders pointed out that Sir Keir had previously supported that idea only to row back later.
Tory MP and ex-minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'If anything demonstrates the absurdity of self-identification, it is the idea that anyone can suddenly decide they are a llama and expect people to treat them as such.
'But this is what the MP picked by Sir Keir Starmer as his equalities spokesperson was on record as saying.'
Sir Jacob added: 'Labour may now say this is no longer their official policy but who's to say these self-identified 'push-me-pull-you's' won't change their minds in the unfortunate event of Sir Keir ever making it to No 10?'
Speaking on behalf of Ms Dalton last night, a Labour spokesperson said the party's policy was clear: 'We have no plans to introduce self-ID into the gender recognition process.'
