Bridget Phillipson has been accused of delaying the publishing of guidance on single-sex spaces amid concerns she may lose support from Labour backbenchers.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) gave the statutory guidance to Mrs Phillipson, who is also the Women and Equalities Minister.
The document sets out how gyms, clubs and hospitals must judge single-sex spaces based on biology.
While it has not yet been laid in parliament, and there has been intense backlash from transgender campaigners and opposition MPs.
Sources close to Mrs Phillipson accused her opponents "weaponising gender issues" in a "cynical and divisive" way and the Government was "taking the time" to get the guidance right.
One told The Times: "To suggest that the timing of publication is in any way politically motivated is beneath contempt."
Others have expressed concern the guidance was released would make them "extremely unpopular" in their seats.
Another MP said: "I back Bridget, but if this guidance is published before the vote closes there’s no way I can vote for her. I’ve got a big LGBT community in my constituency and I’d never get their vote again."
Her opponent in the upcoming deputy leadership contest, Lucy Powell, is understood to think now that MPs should be able to vote on the guidance because it will become law.
Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Mims Davies accused Phillipson of putting "her own career opportunities ahead of women’s rights."
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WATCH: Richard Tice says Labour has 'damaged' Britain by 'abandoning Israel'
Trainee teachers offered up to £31k tax-free to tackle recruitment shortfall
Schools are experiencing teacher recruitment and retention issues | GETTYThe Government has announced it will offer £31,000 in tax-exempt funding for prospective teachers specialising in critical shortage areas such as maths, physics, chemistry and computing.
These monetary incentives form part of efforts to address England's ongoing teacher recruitment difficulties, particularly in science and technical disciplines where staffing gaps have persisted for years.
The Department for Education (DfE) initiative encompasses bursaries and scholarships accessible through multiple training pathways, including university-based programmes and school-centred routes.
John Swinney to throw down gauntlet to Nigel Farage on final day of SNP conference
Scottish First Minister John Swinney is set to cap off the SNP conference with a speech attacking Nigel Farage ahead of next year's Holyrood elections.
Lamenting the “race to the right" at Westminster, the First Minister is expected to reach out to everyone living in Scotland.
"Wherever you are from, whatever your faith, whatever the colour of your skin, let me make this clear: we are all citizens, we all have a part to play and a contribution to make," he will say.
"And conference, yes, I am proud to say that refugees are welcome here.
"The race to the right at Westminster is one reason why independence is so urgent and necessary."
Foreign Minister welcomes 'historic and welcome day'
People react at "Hostages Square" in Tel Aviv
|REUTERS
The release of Israeli hostages as part of the first steps towards a peace deal is a "historic and welcome day", a Foreign Office minister has said.
Hamish Falconer told The BBC: "This is a historic day… these are scenes that so many people right across the country, myself included, have been waiting to see.
"It is hugely welcome news that the ceasefire is in place, that hostages are coming out. I understand there should be a further release in the coming minutes.
"I hope that that will include those hostages with UK links but clearly this is an agony that has gone on and on, both for the Palestinians and, of course, the hostage families, and today is a historic and welcome day."
Jonathan Powell praised by senior US figure for work in Israel negotiation
Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said the UK had played a "vital" role in the peace process in the war in Israel and Gaza and praised National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.
He wrote on social media: "I would like to acknowledge the vital role of the United Kingdom in assisting and coordinating efforts that have led us to this historic day in Israel.
"In particular, I want to recognize the incredible input and tireless efforts of National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell."
Reform UK council leader 'physically assaulted in street'
Reform UK council leader George Finch, and a friend have allegedly been physically assaulted in the street.
Warwickshire Council boss Mr Finch, 19, was out with a female friend in Nuneaton on Friday night when the pair were "attacked" by a young man.
The council leader was then allegedly labelled a "racist" and a "fascist" in a torrent of abuse. The alleged assailant allegedly then pursued the pair through the town before police were called at around 2am.
Green Party reaches 100,000 members as Zack Polanski says they will 'replace' Labour
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said politics can be 'honest, fair and hopeful again'
|PA
The Green Party has reached 100,000 members in a near-50 per cent rise since Zack Polanski took over as leader last month.
It puts the party on a potential course to leapfrog the Conservatives and comes little more than a week after the party announced they had moved past the Liberal Democrats in membership numbers.
Responding to the figures, Mr Polanski said: "More than 100,000 people have now joined the Green movement. That’s 100,000 people who believe politics can be honest, fair and hopeful again.
“When I was elected leader last month, I said that we’re not here to be disappointed with Labour but that we’re here to replace them. I was serious.
"Because while Labour talks about change, people can see in their weekly shop, their utility bills and crumbling services, Labour are offering more of the same. The Greens are the only real opposition left in British politics.
"Standing up for fair taxes, a livable planet and a future where compassion and courage matter more than corporate interests. People are understandably disillusioned, but we are here to make hope normal again."
Margaret Thatcher honoured 100 years on from day she was born
Britain's first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was born 100 years ago to the day and celebrations are being held around the country in her honour.
She was the longest serving Prime Minister for over 150 years, leading the Conservatives to three General Election victories.
To mark the occasion, GB News reporter Anna Riley has taken a look back on the life of one of the most controversial figures in British politics.
Keir Starmer urges momentum be seized for second phase of peace amid Gaza summit
Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
|REUTERS
Sir Keir Starmer will call for the momentum of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Donald Trump to be seized to secure lasting peace in Gaza as he attends a summit on Monday.
The US president and fellow negotiators, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, will sign off the peace plan in Sharm El Sheikh, joined by leaders from more than 20 countries.
The summit, co-hosted by the US leader and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, comes as part of efforts to secure the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been holding since Friday.
Mr Trump, who will first travel to Israel to meet with hostage families and address parliament there, said he was “very excited about this moment in time” before Air Force One took off.
He said many in both Israel and Arab countries were "cheering" the agreement and that "everybody’s amazed and they’re thrilled and we’re going to have an amazing time."