Is Starmer a llama? Sir Keir's equality chief sparks ridicule for saying anyone ... trends now

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Labour faced mockery over its stance on trans issues last night after it emerged that the party's equalities spokesperson said people could self-identify as a llama.

Ashley Dalton was ridiculed for saying that anyone who decides they're a South American cousin of the camel should be treated with 'dignity and respect'. She also came under fire for having insisted that if you identify 'as a female, then you are'.

The revelations come after Labour health spokesman Wes Streeting switched his stance on the trans issue earlier this month, admitting it was a mistake to say all trans women are women.

West Lancashire MP Ms Dalton, who entered the Commons in a 2023 by-election, was promoted by Sir Keir Starmer in November to Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities. But yesterday she was derided for her Twitter postings on trans issues and self-identification.

In 2016, she was asked by somebody in one Twitter exchange if a person decided they were a llama, should other people take them seriously. Ms Dalton replied: 'Yes. And treat you with dignity and respect.'