Does the UK now have the most LGB elected MPs in the world?

According to new research, the number of LGB MPs elected to the House of Commons today means the UK has the most in the world.

Research from the LGBT Representation and Rights Research Initiative from the University of North Carolina, found that one more LGB MP was elected to the Commons today than before dissolution in March.

The study from Professor Andrew Reynolds suggests the UK now technically has the most LGB MPs in the world, although there are no openly trans members.

Also despite the claim, there are just three out LGB women in Parliament – returning MPs Angela Eagle and Margot James, and newly-elected Cat Smith.

Professor Reynolds notes that “27 out LGBT candidates have been elected to the UK House of Commons after at least 152 out candidates ran on May 7.”

He goes on to say that it means the UK has the most “ever recorded in the world.”

The new parliament includes 13 Labour LGBT MPs, 12 Conservatives and two SNP.

Seven new LGB faces will be in the House. Labour’s Peter Kyle (Hove), Catherine Smith (Lancaster and Fleetwood), Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil) and Wes Streeting (Ilford North). Conservative Ben Howlett (Bath) and SNP victors Stewart McDonald (Glasgow South) and John Nicolson (East Dumbartonshire).

Four sitting gay and bisexual  MPs lost their seats, Stephen Williams, Stephen Gilbert, David Laws, Simon Hughes from the Liberal Democrats and the Conservative’s Eric Ollerenshaw.

Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall said: “We’re encouraged that people took to the polls and voted. More than 25 openly lesbian, gay or bisexual MPs have been elected, making this the largest group of openly LGB MPs elected to date. Our Parliament is richer and stronger for the diversity of voices and experiences within it, however, it is certainly disappointing not to see any openly trans people represented amongst our MPs.

“Looking ahead, our MPs cannot forget the manifesto commitments they made to the LGBT community. We must see those words translated into tangible actions. The Conservatives, alongside the Liberal Democrats, have had an impressive track record at Westminster over the last five years, and we look forward to working closely with the new government towards achieving equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, here and abroad.”

Labour’s first out transgender Parliamentary candidate Emily Brothers today failed to be elected in Sutton and Cheam – as did all other openly transgender candidates.

The list of Elected LGBT MPs 2015 from the study is available below 

Update: Revised data from the SNP brings their total to seven. This brings the number in Parliament up to 32. Unlike Labour, the Lib Dems and the Conservatives, the SNP did not previously publicise a list of LGBT candidates.

• Dec 01 2023

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