Brighton & Hove Green Party condemns "anti-immigration and anti-trans" social media posts by Labour's Queens Park by-election candidate
– 2 min read
Brighton & Hove Green Party has been made aware of comments and posts shared online by Simon Charleton, the Labour Party candidate for the Queen’s Park ward by-election.
A release published by Brighton & Hove Greens reads: "There can be no question that Simon Charleton’s comments are beyond unacceptable. As a city, Brighton & Hove stands firm in holding values of inclusivity, in standing alongside marginalised communities against discrimination and hatred, and in our City of Sanctuary status. Brighton & Hove Greens stand in full solidarity with trans and non-binary residents, and against the ‘hostile environment’ that Labour continue to operate.
Brighton & Hove Labour must answer for why they have selected a candidate who so clearly stands against the values of our city
"At a time when migrants are being demonised, and where trans people are used as political scapegoats both in the media and by establishment political parties, Brighton & Hove Labour must answer for why they have selected a candidate who so clearly stands against the values of our city, and whether his views reflect their own."
🚨 Do @bhlabour share the views of their Queen's Park by-election candidate?
— Pinkie Brown (@PinkieBrighton) September 1, 2025
Some concerning stuff on LGBTQ+ , race and immigration.
🧵
Posts shared by Simon Charleton include content echoing "false, far-right narratives" around small boats and immigration, as well as further posts that amplify "cruel, transphobic" talking points. The release from the Greens continues: "Brighton Kemptown, where Queen’s Park is situated, has one of the highest proportions of trans people in England and residents deserve to know exactly where the Labour candidate stands on these issues of human rights and equalities."
Really disappointing to see ANOTHER local Labour politician peddling these cruel, anti-trans narratives.
— Pinkie Brown (@PinkieBrighton) September 1, 2025
Esp on trans inclusion toolkit which @BellaSankey deserves credit for defending. Surely these views aren't welcome in @bhlabour ? pic.twitter.com/D1cuBLO0OJ
Brighton & Hove Greens believe Labour council leader Bella Sankey deserves credit for going against her "national party’s anti-trans narrative, including her defence of the vital Trans Inclusion Toolkit". However, the release goes on: "She must now explain why she is enthusiastically campaigning for a Labour candidate who has publicly spoken against this resource.
"If she is prepared to support a candidate who is not only unwilling to support our trans and non-binary residents, but who is actively participating in discrimination against them, then questions must be asked about how sincere her solidarity really is.
"An urgent clarification is needed as to whether these views are accepted by Brighton & Hove Labour Party."
Scene Magazine has approached Labour for comment
