Councillor embroiled in row refuses to meet transgender opponent
A LABOUR councillor at the centre of a row with a transgender opponent has refused to meet her as part of a “restorative justice” plan.
Guy Harkin was reported to police for calling Zoe Kirk-Robinson 'he' instead of 'she'
Former mayor Guy Harkin was reported to police for calling Zoe Kirk-Robinson “he” instead of “she” during a council meeting in Bolton.
Officers suggested the pair sit down to discuss the issue.
But Mr Harkin, 69, a retired lecturer, refused.
Mrs Kirk-Robinson was born male but 'transitioned' 10 years ago
Accusing his opponent of attention seeking, he said: “The fuss that Councillor Kirk-Robinson wants to make of this inadvertent error on my part tells you much more about her than it does about me.”
Guy Harkin has refused to apologise
I want this issue to be resolved as soon as possible because I don’t want it to happen to anyone else in the future
Tory Mrs Kirk-Robinson, 35, who was born male but “transitioned” to female about 10 years ago, said she was “incredibly disappointed” by his stance.
She added: “I want this issue to be resolved as soon as possible because I don’t want it to happen to anyone else in the future.
“As for attention seeking, I didn’t ask for any of this but as a hate crime ambassador I feel it is important to raise these issues."