Oxford anti-LTN party slams Labour amid JK Rowling gender row

Independent Oxford Alliance (IOA) MP candidate David Henwood and party chairman Anne Gwinnett signed a letter asking "can you really trust a party whose leader’s opinions constantly bend to the ever-changing winds of public opinion?".

The IOA, which has been dubbed "anti-LTN", was formed in November last year with the view of facilitating a "return to democracy".

IOA members at the party launch in November. (Image: IOA.)

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The statement is addressed to "Oxfordshire Labour Party activists", also mentioning Anneliese Dodds who is the incumbent Labour MP for Oxford East and shadow minister for Women and Equalities.

Among other concerns listed in the letter are Labour’s stance on LTNs (low traffic neighbourhoods) and apparent "disregard for the views of the people" in relation to the topic.

Anneliese Dodds. (Image: Newsquest.)

Ms Gwinnett said: "In our open letter we are pointing out the inconsistencies in Labour's stated stance on a number of issues, which change over time without apparent justification."

The letter says the party agrees with author JK Rowling's condemnation of Labour for its treatment of members such as Rosie Duffield who have expressed 'gender critical' views.

Anne Gwinnett. (Image: IOA.)

Mr Henwood said: "My personal view is deeply influenced by the ongoing struggle for women's rights, a battle that rages both in the professional sphere and within the broader fabric of society.

"While I acknowledge the biological reality of gender, determined by immutable physical characteristics, I firmly believe that how individuals identify within societal frameworks is entirely separate and equally significant.

"This self-identification, shaped by personal experiences, upbringing, and internal convictions, is vital to who we are, defining our values, aspirations, and life goals."

David Henwood. (Image: Ed Nix.)

Ms Dodds, responding to the criticism, said: "Labour is the party of women’s equality, and introduced the law that protects them from sex-based discrimination and provides for single sex spaces. 

“Labour’s Equality Act makes clear that sex and gender are different, and we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, including women and trans people.

“Labour’s ambitious plan to change Britain will transform women’s rights at work and halve violence against women and girls."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat Oxford East MP candidate Theo Jupp has weighed in with his concerns.

Theo Jupp. (Image: Contribution.)

Mr Jupp said: “People in Oxford deserve far better than this undignified display of mud-slinging from the IOA, which detracts from the real priorities at this election which are fixing the NHS, ending the cost of living crisis and getting the economy back on its feet. 

"It goes without saying that no one should become a target for abuse.

"That’s why no responsible politician — Labour, IOA or otherwise — should be turning the existence of transgender people into a debate.

"I’m appalled that the IOA has put transgender people in the firing line for the sake of scoring a political point.”

Ms Gwinnett responded: "Our letter is neither mud slinging, nor putting transgender people in the firing line – it is commenting on the notable confusion and lack of clarity from the Labour leadership regarding gender rights, which has alienated a portion of the party's base and brought criticism from prominent public figures."

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About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi