Reform mayoral candidate described sessions on ‘challenges facing trans people’ as ‘indoctrination’

Reform mayoral candidate described sessions on ‘challenges facing trans people’ as ‘indoctrination’ Exclusive: Sian Astley hit out at ‘aggressive transgender ideology’ and said it would have ‘no place’ in Greater Manchester under her leadership - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Reform UK’s candidate in the Greater Manchester mayoral race is facing criticism after describing education sessions on the challenges faced by trans people as “indoctrination”, unearthed Facebook posts seen by The Independent show. Posting to her official Facebook page, Sian Astley, who runs a design and property business, hit out at what she called “aggressive transgender ideology” and said it would have "no place” in Greater Manchester if she wins the mayoral election. LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall accused Ms Astley of treating trans people as a “political football”, calling for all political leaders to work to create a “safe and equal world”, while the LGBT Foundation said her words were at odds with Greater Manchester’s proud history as a “safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people”. In the posts seen by The Independent, Ms Astley also said “it’s great” that Nigel Farage has a £5m “pot of cash”, saying she doesn’t care about the £5m gift he was given by Thai-based billionaire Christopher Harborne in the run-up to the 2024 general election – currently the subject of a parliamentary sleaze probe. Ms Astley wrote: "I don’t care if Nigel Farage was given £5m and is using it to try to keep himself and his family safe for the rest of his life. I’ll clarify, I do care that he gets death threats, I don’t care about the donation. It’s great that he got it. I have no envy or fury or worry about it.” She added: "I can understand why Nigel Farage needs daily protection from the insanity of the far left. That politics has got to this is the fault of weak British politicians who haven’t had the British people at the heart of their decision making. "The divisions are not due to Reform, but go back decades. Can it all be resolved, god willing, I hope so, we’re going to give it a good go. And if Nigel has a pot of cash to keep himself safe, A-OK with me.” Her remarks come despite parliament’s standards commissioner launching an investigation following claims that Mr Farage had failed to declare the donation. If found to have breached the rules, the Reform leader could face sanctions including a suspension from the House of Commons. And posting about women’s spaces, she said: "As Mayor, I will always put the safety of women and girls first. Women’s spaces will always be protected and aggressive transgender ideology which demands otherwise will have no place in the GMCA under my stewardship. "If you’re a woman in Greater Manchester, then you should know that Labour is a threat to your spaces and safety. Bev Craig [Labour’s mayoral candidate] believes that a man can be a woman by simply identifying as one. "Last year’s Supreme Court ruling was a defining moment for the protection of women’s spaces, but Labour cannot be trusted to uphold it in Greater Manchester." She added: "Under Bev Craig’s leadership, Manchester City Council declared that ‘trans women are women’ and pressured councillors to attend indoctrination sessions regarding the 'challenges faced by trans people’. "We support all residents to make the life choices they make, but not at the expense of women’s safe spaces.” Ms Craig is the leader of Manchester City Council and is Labour’s candidate for the Mayor of Greater Manchester. A Stonewall spokesperson said: “Yet again we see trans+ people's lives unacceptably used as a political football. We need to be honest about the facts: data shows that it is predominantly heterosexual men who are violent to women. “To suggest otherwise perpetuates a narrative that is damaging to everyone, undermines effective policymaking and does nothing to achieve the shared goal of ending violence against all women and girls, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. “Stonewall is working to create a safe and equal world for all lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer+ people to live, work and thrive. We must expect leaders from across the political spectrum to do the same.” A spokesperson for the LGBT Foundation told The Independent: "Greater Manchester's reputation as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people is more than a point of pride – it is part of the city region's DNA. “From its world-famous Gay Village and one of the UK's largest Prides, to Sparkle – the national celebration of trans lives and communities that continues to grow year after year - and a thriving network of sector-leading LGBTQ+ charities and grassroots organisations, Greater Manchester has built a legacy of activism, visibility and community that continues to shape it today. “It's a legacy rooted in our history and heritage, and one we believe will continue long into the future." According to Suicide Prevention UK, 48 per cent of all trans people in the UK have attempted suicide at least once in their lives. Meanwhile, a survey conducted by campaign group TransLucent found that 85 per cent of trans women reported being subjected to transphobic street harassment from strangers, with 71 per cent of trans men and 73 per cent of non-binary people saying the same. Ms Astley previously sparked controversy for saying that Green voters, ‘uniparty’ MPs and councillors should house “illegal criminals, rapists and economic chancers”, insisting that those who advocate for open borders are “opening up this country” to “criminals, economic chancers, rapists.” And she said those who attack her for a “tongue in cheek” comment are “getting angry about the wrong thing”. The Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, which will take place on July 30, was called after Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, forcing him to step down from his role as mayor. Reform UK has been contacted for comment. 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