Green's rising star resigns accusing party of 'transphobia' after father's child abuse - The Coventry Observer

Green's rising star resigns accusing party of 'transphobia' after father's child abuse

Coventry Editorial 4th Sep, 2018 Updated: 5th Sep, 2018   0

AN ex-Coventry prospective MP has resigned from the Green Party, accusing it of ‘transphobia’ after she was suspended over hiring her child rapist father as her election agent.

Greens equalities spokesperson Aimee Challenor had been a candidate for the deputy leadership of the party until she pulled out of the race before her suspension.

She denied having full knowledge of the horrific crimes of her father, David, who previously acted as her election agent.

The 50-year-old was jailed for 22 years after being found guilty of torturing and raping a young girl in the attic of his Coventry home.




Aimee, 20, is described as a rising star in the party and was tipped as a frontrunner in the deputy leader election.

But in a string of accusations made on Twitter yesterday, she announced her resignation from the party.


She tweeted: “I’ve resigned in full from the Green Party of England and Wales. I cannot remain in a political party that has a significant transphobia problem. Caroline Lucas meeting with a far-right transphobic hate group is attrocious.”

She continued: “It is clear the current Green Party of England and Wales is no longer the same party that I joined in November 2014, it has lost its respect for LGBTIQA+, and now scapegoats vulnerable people, whilst creating a hostile atmosphere for any trans person in the party.”

She accused the party of ‘misgendering’ trans members and weaponising the investigation into using her father as her election agent – which she alleges will revisit ‘past disciplinary action against transphobes’ as part of it.

The activist’s disgraced father was her election agent during the General Election last year in which she stood to be MP in Coventry South.

He was also her agent during her campaign in the local elections in May this year – a role he took up after he was charged with child rape.

The Green’s have launched an inquiry, looking into the circumstances which allowed David Challenor to take up this role – and how to prevent similar appointments in the future.

Ms Challenor was born in Coventry and grew up in the family home on Charterhouse Road.

She studied photography at Henley College Coventry and was a trustee of Coventry Pride.

Ms Challenor – who still lives at the home – said she was devastated by her father’s crimes.

A Green Party spokesperson said: “Green Party policy is clear that trans women are women.

“We have a long history at the forefront of advancing trans rights and stand against transphobia in all its forms.

“But we also believe in the power of dialogue.

“That means taking time to talk to those who have different perspectives, even those we disagree with, to make progress towards a world where all women are safe.

“We remain committed to the independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Aimee Challenor’s father being able to act as her election agent while facing charges for serious sexual assault against a minor.”

The group referred to in Aimee Challenor’s tweeted allegations was reported to be Woman’s Place UK.

It was formed last September to ensure women’s voices were heard in discussions on proposed changes to the Gender Recognition Act (GRA).

It said: “We absolutely refute the scurrilous accusation made by Aimee Challenor about us which we believe to be defamatory. Such a slur demeans and undermines the important discussion needed on this issue.”

It is campaigning to defend the rights of women under the law and ensure any changes to the GRA work for all.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Coventry Observer.