While many households are tightening their belts amid rising living costs, one London borough has come under fire for splashing out over £13,000 to convert a single public toilet block into a gender-neutral facility.
Kingston Council, led by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, spent £13,400 on the revamp at Latchmere Recreation Ground in South London.
The decision has sparked a wave of criticism—especially since it comes at a time when the council is also increasing council tax by five percent, making Kingston the most expensive borough in the capital.
Gender-Neutral Toilets Spark Political Debate
The cost of the renovation was revealed through a Freedom of Information request by The Telegraph, and it didn’t take long for political opponents to speak up.
Shadow minister Kevin Hollinrake called the move a “flagrant disregard” for the financial concerns of everyday residents, accusing the council of blowing taxpayer money on a vanity project.
He wasn’t the only one to weigh in. Conservative MP Greg Smith slammed the project, calling it a “potty scheme” and questioning the council’s priorities amid ongoing economic pressure.
Timing Raises Eyebrows After Landmark Court Ruling
The backlash also comes hot on the heels of a significant Supreme Court ruling earlier in the week, which stated that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
That decision could have wide-ranging consequences, including restricting transgender women from using female-only spaces, such as bathrooms and sports facilities.
Given the legal and political climate, critics say the council’s choice to fund a gender-neutral toilet block seems out of touch and poorly timed.
Equality Commission Recommends “Third Spaces”
Despite the controversy, some experts argue there is room for more inclusive options.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, told BBC Radio 4 that while the new ruling clarifies the legal definition of a woman, it doesn’t prohibit the creation of neutral or “third” spaces like unisex toilets or changing rooms.
She encouraged advocacy groups to focus their efforts on lobbying for these types of inclusive facilities.
“There isn’t any law saying you cannot use a neutral third space,” she explained, emphasizing that these spaces can accommodate everyone, including trans individuals.
Sir Ed Davey’s Past Comments Resurface
As tensions rise over the council’s decision, past comments made by Sir Ed Davey are being revisited.
In a 2023 radio interview, the Lib Dem leader sparked debate when he said that women could “clearly” have a penis—an answer he gave during a discussion about gender identity on LBC.
When pushed by the host, Nick Ferrari, on whether a woman could biologically have male anatomy, Davey eventually confirmed: “Well, quite clearly.”
His remarks were met with criticism at the time and have resurfaced in the current discussion.
Tories Brand Lib Dems as “Anti-Women”
The controversy has reignited broader political tensions, with some Conservative MPs using the issue to take aim at the Liberal Democrats’ stance on gender identity.
Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith accused the party of being “out of touch” and suggested that their views on gender highlight the risks of a potential coalition with Labour.
He dubbed them part of an “anti-women alliance,” arguing that basic definitions and common-sense policies are being sacrificed for political correctness.
Awaiting Kingston Council’s Response
At this stage, Kingston Council hasn’t issued a formal response to the growing backlash.
But with residents questioning both the expense and the timing of the decision, pressure is mounting for officials to explain why this project was prioritized—especially when many feel local services and cost-of-living concerns should come first.