This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-60925885
The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Jamie Wallis MP comes out as trans and speaks of rape ordeal | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Jamie Wallis was elected in December 2019 | Jamie Wallis was elected in December 2019 |
An MP has tweeted about being diagnosed with gender dysphoria, being a victim of rape and blackmail, and fleeing the scene of a car crash. | |
"I am trans, or to be more accurate, I want to be," Conservative MP Jamie Wallis said. | |
The Bridgend Tory alleged a man sent pictures to the politician's family and demanded £50,000. The MP was later raped in a separate incident. | |
"Since then things have taken a tumble. I am not ok," the MP wrote. | |
The MP is the first to come out as transgender, and has not yet stated what his preferred pronouns are. | |
Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised MP Jamie Wallis for his bravery in coming out as trans and sharing his "very intimate" story "which will undoubtedly support others". | |
It's time. https://t.co/cbt0tKQZuN pic.twitter.com/IUaCjm9PtE | |
Jamie Wallis was arrested last year on suspicion of driving while unfit following an incident where a car hit a lamppost at Church Road in Llanblethian, Vale of Glamorgan. | |
"When I crashed my car on the 28th November I fled the scene. I did so because I was terrified," the MP wrote. | |
"I have PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and I honestly have no idea what I was doing except I was overcome by an overwhelming sense of fear. | |
"I am sorry that it appears I 'ran away' but this isn't how it happened in the moment. | |
MP arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit | MP arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit |
'I help to rescue other trans people from death' | 'I help to rescue other trans people from death' |
'When one transgender person is hurt, we all feel it' | 'When one transgender person is hurt, we all feel it' |
In the Twitter statement the Conservative said: "I've been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I've felt this way since I was a very young child. | |
"I had no intention of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud. | |
"There was a close call in April 2020 when someone blackmailed me, outed me to my father and sent photographs to other family members. | "There was a close call in April 2020 when someone blackmailed me, outed me to my father and sent photographs to other family members. |
"He wanted £50,000 to keep quiet. The police were so supportive, so understanding and on this occasion the system worked." | "He wanted £50,000 to keep quiet. The police were so supportive, so understanding and on this occasion the system worked." |
The MP said the man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and nine months prison. | |
"For a while it seemed as though I would be able to get on with things and move on. Being an MP and hiding something like this was always going to be tough, but I arrogantly assumed I was up for it. | |
"Well, I'm not." | "Well, I'm not." |
"In September I 'hooked up' with someone who I met online," the MP said. | |
"When I chose to say 'no' on the basis that he wouldn't wear a condom he chose to rape me. I have not been myself since this incident and I don't think I will ever recover. It is not something you ever forget, and it is not something you ever move on from." | "When I chose to say 'no' on the basis that he wouldn't wear a condom he chose to rape me. I have not been myself since this incident and I don't think I will ever recover. It is not something you ever forget, and it is not something you ever move on from." |
'Be yourself' | |
The MP praised his party's whips: "As far as I've seen they try their best to support and help MPs who are having a tough time. | |
"Well they've certainly earned their keep with me." | "Well they've certainly earned their keep with me." |
After a dinner with Tory MPs on Tuesday evening the MP said "I was reminded of the incredible support those you work with can provide". | |
"I was reminded how important it is to be yourself. I have never lived my truth and I'm not sure how. Perhaps it starts with telling everyone." | "I was reminded how important it is to be yourself. I have never lived my truth and I'm not sure how. Perhaps it starts with telling everyone." |