Trans woman is allowed to run for female seat by Britain's biggest trade union - despite Supreme Court gender ruling

The IT technician and railway enthusiast is already the LGBT officer for the West Surrey branch of Unison. Waple has publicly discussed personal experiences of being born blind, as well as having autism and cerebral palsy.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled last month that the terms "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act refer to biological sex rather than acquired gender.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) subsequently issued interim guidance stating: "A trans woman is a biological man. A trans man is a biological woman."

The EHRC also clarified that women-only groups should not admit trans women, guidance expected to become law once ministers sign it off.

In the nomination statement, Waple pledged: "I believe that our union must continue to lead the way in promoting inclusivity and fighting against discrimination in all its forms."

Waple also criticised Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, calling for Labour to change course and become an "anti-cuts, working class party" that would "back our members fight 100 per cent."

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In a statement responding to the Supreme Court ruling, Unison said it "will continue to promote the workplace rights of women, trans and LGBT+ workers."

The union added it was "carefully considering" the implications of the judgment, but noted: "As stated by the Supreme Court, its judgment should not be read as a triumph of one or more groups in society at the expense of another."

Unison urged employers and organisations not to "overreact" to the judgment.

Unison's decision to allow Waple to stand for election has drawn criticism. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said: "Unison still thinks, despite the Supreme Court ruling, that women can have a penis.

"They have been told by the Supreme Court to go back to biology lessons and they're ignoring the highest court in the land. Women union members should be outraged and demand that this person can't be nominated."

Waple has vowed to take the seat if elected, stating: "The biggest threat to women's rights is not trans people, but rather the one per cent of super-powerful rich, clinging to their wealth and denying real funding for housing, domestic violence services and women's services."

The 23-year-old added that the Supreme Court ruling "plays to the false narrative that trans people are a threat to women" and would "create a climate of fear among trans people."

A Unison spokesman defended the decision, saying: "This is an internal electoral issue. It is consistent with the union's long-standing rules."