Mary-Ann Stephenson confirmed as EHRC chair despite MPs’ objections

Stephenson, the chair of the Women’s Budget Group, will take over at the EHRC in December. Photograph: WBG

Mary-Ann Stephenson has been confirmed as the new chair of the equalities watchdog, after the government overruled the objections of parliament’s equalities committee over her suitability for the job.

Stephenson, the chair of the Women’s Budget Group, will take on the role at the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in December. It includes responsibility for implementing guidance about transgender rights after the supreme court judgment on the definition of a woman.