A Conservative politician has become the first MP to reveal their identity as transgender, and has written of his gender dysphoria diagnosis, a £50,000 blackmail threat, and his reasons for fleeing the scene of a car crash in November 2021.
Jamie Wallis, the MP for Bridgend in South Wales, shared an emotional statement on social media overnight saying that he is "not sure how" to live as his true self, and thanked colleagues and the Tory whips for their support for MPs "who are having a tough time".
It comes after Boris Johnson opened a dinner for Conservative MPs last night with the line: “Good evening ladies and gentleman, or as Keir Starmer would put it, people who are assigned female or male at birth.”
READ MORE: Former Mormon and mum-of-two leaves religion and becomes OnlyFans model
In a statement shared on social media overnight, Jamie Wallis MP, age 37, wrote about receiving "a lot of support from the Whips" since being elected, adding that it's "not for the reasons you might think". The MP wrote: "I'm trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be.
"I've been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I've felt this way since I was a very young child. I had no intentions of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined that I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud."
The statement went on to discuss a blackmail attempt, writing: "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 MP praised the police, saying they were "so supportive, so understanding", adding that the perpetrator has since been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.
However, Jamie Wallis says that things did not improve in his life, and wrote about a car crash on November 28, 2021. The MP crashed into a lamppost, cutting off the internet connection to a village in South Wales for days, and fled the scene of the crash. Ultimately, he was fined £270 and given three points on their licence.
Writing about that night, the MP said that he fled the scene "because I was terrified", writing: "I have PTSD 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."
Jamie Wallis also wrote about the "incredible support" of Conservative colleagues, mentioning the Whips office in particular, writing: "...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."
Closing the statement, the MP wrote: "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."
The House of Commons told The Telegraph that Jamie Wallis is believed to be the first openly transgender Member of Parliament.
The brave disclosures come the day after Boris Johnson hosted Conservative MPs for a dinner in London. Politico's Alex Wickham reports that the prime minister opened his speech by saying: "Good evening ladies and gentleman, or as Keir Starmer would put it, people who are assigned female or male at birth.”
Following the statement from Jamie Wallis, Boris Johnson said this morning: "Sharing this very intimate story would have taken an immense amount of courage. Thank you @JamieWallisMP for your bravery, which will undoubtedly support others. The Conservative Party I lead will always give you, and everyone else, the love and support you need to be yourself."
Many of Jamie Wallis' colleagues have also offered support this morning. The Chairman of the Conservative Party, Oliver Dowden, tweeted: "Proud of my colleague Jamie Wallis. As a Conservative family we stand together, and we will support you. I hope that your brave statement will help others."
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "A hugely brave and courageous statement from my colleague and friend @JamieWallisMP. Jamie has my upmost respect, love and admiration."
Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer has not responded to the statement, but Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting wrote: "Sending you love and solidarity from the other side of the Commons. This is hugely courageous of you to share."
A charity that supports trans youth, Mermaids, tweeted: "We are moved to hear @jamieWallisMP coming out as on their trans journey. It's saddening to also read all that he has been through. Congrats on being the UK's first trans MP, we look forward to working with you."
He/him pronouns have been used in this story after Jamie Wallis MP said those are his preference for the time being.
The photo of Jamie Wallis MP in the main image is released under an Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence.
POLITICS: To keep up to date with latest Bristol politics news, and discuss thoughts with other residents, join our Bristol politics news and discussion here. You can also sign up to our brand new politics newsletter here.
