Labour’s first out trans candidate Emily Brothers loses out in Sutton and Cheam

Labour’s first out trans Parliamentary candidate has failed to be elected in Sutton and Cheam.

Ms Brothers – who was a key figure in securing Disability Living Allowance for blind people – came out as transgender in an interview with PinkNews last year.

In a historic first for the Labour party, she ran to become an MP in Sutton and Cheam.

Coming third, Ms Brothers gained 11% of the vote, behind Lib Dem Paul Burstow, who received 34%, and Tory Paul Scully, who was elected with 40%.

Ms Brothers lost her sight to glaucoma as a child – and was a key figure in securing Disability Living Allowance for blind people.

Liberal Democrat activists were last month urged to apologise – after using placards to attempt to block Ms Brothers from their leader during a protest.

Brothers previously wrote for PinkNews on her own experiences of contemplating suicide and on the suicide of trans teen Leelah Alcorn.