Boris Johnson reacts to Penny Mordaunt's trans rights comments

Boris Johnson, in his memoirs titled 'Unleashed', recounted an incident during a cabinet meeting when Penny Mordaunt, then Equalities Minister, passionately argued that trans rights were the 'most important issue of our times'. This statement elicited amusement from Johnson and fellow cabinet member Philip Hammond, who struggled to maintain their composure. Johnson acknowledged the significance of the issue for some individuals but questioned its overall importance. He noted that Mordaunt had the backing of then-Prime Minister Theresa May, which led him to ponder her political alignment. May had previously promised to allow trans individuals to self-identify their legal gender, a policy Mordaunt supported. However, this stance faced criticism from women's rights organizations concerned about potential risks associated with self-ID policies. Mordaunt's position on trans rights became contentious during her 2022 leadership bid, prompting her to reconsider her support for the issue. This incident highlights the complexities and divisions within the Conservative Party regarding trans rights and the broader implications for gender identity discussions in the UK.