Ed Davey backs scrapping women-only spaces rules in Lib Dem conference vote that activists call a 'Trojan horse'

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026 · last updated 22 September 2026.

Sir Ed Davey declared he would vote to roll back EHRC guidance requiring single-sex toilets, changing rooms and hospital wards to be used based on birth sex, not gender identity. Lib Dem delegates in Brighton backed the motion by a large majority, making the party the first of the big three to formally reject the equalities watchdog's code. Dr Zoe Hollowood, who chairs Liberal Voice for Women, said Davey's backing proved he did not care about women's rights. The vote has reportedly been seen as evidence the Lib Dems have lost their way on the issue.

Davey said in 2025 he accepted the Supreme Court ruling 'entirely' and that the law was 'right' to distinguish between biological sex and gender identity.

The EHRC code, which took effect last month, states single-sex spaces must exclude trans women — Lib Dem activists branded it 'discriminatory and unworkable'.

Women's rights campaigners within the party warned the motion was 'a Trojan horse for removing women's rights to single-sex spaces'.