Sharron Davies to be made Tory peer amid controversy over anti-trans views

British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies is set to be appointed to the House of Lords by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, sparking widespread debate over her long-standing opposition to trans inclusion in women's sport.

Davies, 62, has been a vocal figure in the gender-critical movement, campaigning for female-only sports to be restricted to those she defines as “biological women”. Her activism began in 2019, following changes by the International Olympic Committee that removed the requirement for sex reassignment surgery for trans athletes. She later co-authored a letter signed by over 60 elite athletes calling for trans women to be banned from female categories.

While Davies insists her stance is about fairness and safety in sport, critics argue her rhetoric has contributed to a hostile environment for trans people. She has claimed that allowing trans women to compete undermines the integrity of women’s sport, stating, “No one should be allowed to pick which category they wish to compete in”.

Her nomination comes at a time when the Conservative Party, under Badenoch’s leadership, has leaned heavily into culture war issues. Badenoch herself has been praised by Davies for “pushing back against woke” and defending single-sex spaces.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, who view the peerage as a reward for exclusionary activism. Many have expressed concern that elevating Davies to the Lords sends a damaging message about the government's stance on trans rights.

Her appointment is expected to be formally announced later this year, alongside other nominees including columnist Simon Heffer and Tory treasurer Graham Edwards.