Conservative Party deputy chair for women in row after calling her trans rival ‘a man who wears a wig and calls himself a “proud lesbian”‘

The Conservative Party’s deputy chair of women’s affairs has found herself embroiled in a row after allegedly making transphobic comments about her rival.

Melissa Poulton, who is the Green Party candidate in Bromsgrove, was described by Redditch MP Rachel McLean as “someone who wears a wig and calls herself a ‘proud lesbian’.”

Writing on X/Twitter, Ms McLean added: “Although the Greens don’t know what a woman is, my Worcestershire neighbors in Bromsgrove certainly do.”

Ms Poulton responded to the comments, calling the remarks gaslighting and adding: “It’s a shame, without a shadow of a doubt, this is a transphobic comment, a dog whistle at best.”

The Greens candidate was born a biological human before he began transitioning last year.

She called Ms McLean’s comments “child’s play for a government party about to leave office”.

Adding: “I’m here to represent myself as a queer woman, as a woman with a trans experience.

“I’m sure the people of Redditch will see that they are attacking someone for who they are.

“We’ll see what happens at the ballot box.”

Ms McLean has since deleted the original comment on X and said: “I apologize for any offense caused and I have now deleted the tweet.

“I believe everyone should have the freedom to live their life and realize their potential regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, and to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves.”

However, responding to a GB News video online, she later clarified: “I was NOT actually apologizing for my comments regarding the Green Party’s extreme policies on gender and identity ideology and am happy to come on your program to explain that.” my position in more detail.

“As Deputy Chairperson for Women’s Affairs, I understand that the law allows me to speak.

“What is a woman and the difference between a woman and a trans woman.

“Both deserve respect and freedom to live their lives, but it’s not transphobic to say they’re different things.

“It also doesn’t help health, education and CJS politicians pretend they are.”

Ms Poulton has been involved in politics for 10 years and has been a member of the Green Party since 2020.

She has previously stood as a candidate for Worcestershire and Wyre Forest District Council elections.

Speaking about the fallout from the online row, she said she had received support from Bromsgrove’s Labor Party and the Lib Dems.

She added: “I am sure I will receive a similar response from Bromsgrove Conservatives.

“I know people who hate me won’t vote for me, but I still don’t need their votes.

“A lot of people said they would vote for me.”

Redditch Labor group leader Joe Baker said Ms McLean’s comments were “absolutely vile and hateful”.

She added: “The original intent of the poster is promoting a hate crime and should be reported as disliked and reposted.

“People in leadership positions should care about those they are in a position to serve.

“I understand the situation is sensitive and I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, but when that opinion promotes hate and harm then it needs to be challenged.

“Now Rachel has to question her position.”

Green Party co-leader Carla Denier said: “This is a deeply offensive intervention from an elected MP who should represent everyone in the community and not make these disgusting, catty and divisive comments.”

Ms McLean was elected MP for Redditch in 2017 and served as Minister for Security at the Home Office between 2021 and 2022.

In November she became deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, with responsibility for women’s protections.

West Mercia Police said the original post on X was reported but was not being treated as a crime.