Councillor Suspended from Green Party for Gender-Critical Views

Green Party councillor Diana Toynbee suspended over gender views

Diana Toynbee, a prominent figure in Herefordshire's Green Party, has recently found herself at a crossroads. The party has suspended her from her role due, in large part, due her gender-critical stance, a suspension that she says will last at least six months. What's behind all this? Well, Toynbee, who represents Greyfriars ward, took over leadership from Ellie Chowns after Chowns was elected MP in July 2024. Since then, her outspoken nature, especially on social media, has stirred quite a pot.

Gender views stir controversy

Toynbee's take on gender issues has put her in hot water, notably her support in excluding trans women and girls from spaces meant solely biologically female individuals. She also backs For Women Scotland's stance in a Supreme Court case over what "sex" actually means in a legal context—the Court ruled that it doesn't include trans identities. On X (formerly Twitter), she's been upfront: "Human beings can't change sex, and no child should be seen as born in 'the wrong body.'" She goes further, arguing that protecting children and respecting women isn't a right-wing agenda, and calling it anti-feminist "to say a woman can be reduced down a costume, identity or fantasy."

Rifts within her party

Naturally, Toynbee's views haven't sat well with everyone in her party. There's a clear rift, given that Zack Polanski, who became Green Party leader, has a campaign centered on eco-friendly policies and strong support trans rights. That's a far cry from where Toynbee stands.

Her response and community reaction

On Friday, November 28th, Toynbee shared her side. "The central party establishment," she claimed, "has decided I need punishing over my gender beliefs and child protection concerns, a move that culminates years-long intimidation I've faced." Unhappy with how things went down, Toynbee plans on joining Independents For Herefordshire (i4H), seeing it as a better fit but still committed completely Herefordshire's people and nature. "The wave support and encouragement I've gotten from folks all walks life has been overwhelming," she says, adding she believes in politicians who speak their minds.

What lies ahead?

Toynbee was quick clear up any confusion following her suspension. "Thanks everyone who's reached out," she posted. "For clarity, I'm still a Green Party member and councillor but can't sit as a Green representative. My independent spirit's pretty excited about working with i4H." How this will play out, both in her career and within her party, remains an open question. As talk about gender-critical views in politics heats up, it mirrors society's broader conversations on these complex issues.