Labour candidate hoping to be first transgender MP

A Labour candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham is hoping to be elected to Parliament as the first transgender MP.
Sophie CookSophie Cook
Sophie Cook

Sophie Cook, who is currently a television presenter, has previously worked as an RAF engineer in West Germany during the Cold War and as a football club photographer.

Ms Cook, who has three children and lives in Brighton, said she was ‘terrified’ that she would lose everything when she came out in 2015, but described the reception as positive ‘with many declaring that it’s time for greater diversity in Parliament’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She is a hate crime ambassador for Sussex Police and regularly speaks at conferences about LGBT issues.

The East Worthing and Shoreham constituency has been held by Tory MP Tim Loughton since 1997 and he is defending a nearly 15,000 vote majority from Labour.

Prime Minister Theresa May has called a general election for Thursday June 8.

Ms Cook said: “We need to work together to ensure that our children can grow up in a country where their health and education are priorities. Where there are jobs for their future and where difference is celebrated.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Labour Party has pledged to build one million homes so that our children can in turn begin their own families in safety.

“Education for all, health care for all and homes for all. The time for change is now, a united Labour Party working for a United Kingdom.

“Be the change that you want to see in the world.”

Constituency chair Irene Reed added: “Sophie is a very experienced campaigner and she’ll be bringing her trademark determination, passion and good humour to the campaign.

“In the last general election we increased our share of the vote and made a big dent in the Tories’ margin. We can do much better this time with Labour’s positive message of hope. And Sophie is going to be a great ambassador.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.