Conservative Clash: Lord Houchen Criticizes Suella Braverman’s ‘Cack-Handed’ LGBT+ Remarks, Warns of Long-Term Opposition

Conservative Metro Mayor Lord Houchen criticizes Suella Braverman's awkward remarks on LGBT+ issues

The sole remaining metropolitan mayor from the Conservative party criticized the statements made by the leadership contender on Monday as "entirely incorrect," suggesting they might push the party into a prolonged period in the opposition.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 6:

Tees Valley's Conservative Mayor, Lord Houchen, criticized Suella Braverman for her clumsy remarks regarding the Progress Pride flag, labeling them as "cheap politics".

The ex-Home Secretary, widely speculated to be a contender for the Conservative Party leadership, criticized the LGBT+ emblem in remarks delivered at the National Conservatism conference in Washington DC this past Monday.

She expressed that the government's choice to display the flag on its buildings signified "one horrendous reality – that I belonged to a government responsible for the harm inflicted on children in our hospitals and schools."

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Ms. Braverman expressed that the situation was part of "a terrible political campaign" and stated she felt "physically sickened" by the Conservative's assertion that they were "addressing the issue of trans extremists, when in reality, we allowed it to occur."

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When questioned by Sky News, Lord Houchen, the sole metro mayor remaining from the Conservative party following the local elections in May, stated that her statements were inappropriate for the Conservative leadership race.

He acknowledged that there were legitimate discussions to be had about policies concerning trans rights and women-only spaces. However, he criticized Ms. Braverman for clumsily mixing these sensitive topics with other issues related to gay rights and pride, thereby confusing the policy debates.

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Often seen as the emblem of the party's victories in areas usually dominated by Labour, Lord Houchen stated: "Essentially, she made a total misjudgment."

"She seems to have misinterpreted not only the nation's sentiment but also, quite significantly, the sentiment within the Conservative Party itself."

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"I believe, with hope and anticipation, that the Conservative Party does not desire to engage in such low-level political tactics."

"If that is indeed the situation, then the path to our recovery could be either lengthy or brief, depending on our choices, potentially setting us up for prolonged conflict for many years to come."

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