UK’s First Transgender MP Pleads Not Guilty to Harassment Charges

Katie Wallis, Britain's first transgender MP and former Conservative lawmaker for Bridgend, has been charged with harassment of her ex-wife, Rebecca Wallis, following their divorce finalized in 2024. Prosecutors allege that after Rebecca informed Katie of a new relationship, Katie engaged in repeated unwanted phone calls, texts, voice messages, and drove past Rebecca's home, behavior which continued even after Katie's arrest and release on bail. Katie Wallis has pleaded not guilty, with her defense arguing that the actions were not malicious but a result of significant mental health struggles during a critical stage of her gender transition. The defense also asserts that the ex-wife selectively presented messages to authorities and was unsupportive of Katie's full-time transition. The case, initially including stalking charges, has been downgraded to harassment and is set to proceed to trial on June 17. Throughout court appearances, Wallis has appeared in attire consistent with her gender identity and has faced difficulties attributed to mental health concerns.