Probe into equalities watchdog Barnoness Falkner is finally dismissed after claims of an ‘ideologically motivated witch-hunt’ by trans activists are exposed
- Kishwer Falkner had been accused of bullying, discrimination and transphobia
A probe into the head of Britain’s equalities watchdog was last night finally shelved after the Mail exposed claims of an ‘ideologically motivated witch-hunt’ by trans activists.
Kishwer Falkner had been accused of bullying, discrimination and transphobia after her own staff at the Equality and Human Rights Commission filed a 40-page dossier of complaints against her.
The EHRC said that the inquiry ‘should now close’ following the findings of an independent legal review into the handling of the complaints, ordered by women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch.
It comes five months after the Mail first exposed an apparent plot to oust Baroness Falkner after she was said to have angered the trans lobby by defending women’s rights.
The revelations triggered a backlash in which MPs including Mrs Badenoch, former EHRC staff and women’s rights groups rallied around her.
Kishwer Falkner had been accused of bullying, discrimination and transphobia after her own staff filed a 40-page dossier of complaints against her
Welcoming the end of her ordeal, the baroness said: ‘I am grateful to see an end to this investigation into unsubstantiated claims against me.
‘I am also particularly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received, since the investigation into the allegations against me was first disclosed.
‘I have relished public service all my life and continue to do so with vigour and determinations.’
She added: ‘Now that these matters are reaching a conclusion, I hope we will be given the time and space needed to reset and renew our efforts to deliver for the British people.’
Insiders at the EHRC believe Baroness Falkner was targeted after she backed legal reforms guarding the rights of biological women in sport and single-sex spaces.
It comes five months after the Mail first exposed an apparent plot to oust Baroness Falkner after she was said to have angered the trans lobby
They said that the dossier of more than 40 complaints filed against her and then leaked to Channel 4 was made up of ‘trivial’ and ‘petty perceived slights’ made by those out to ‘get her’.
The probe, which has cost the taxpayer more than £100,000 and seen the baroness spend more than £30,000 in legal fees, was launched in February. The EHRC said it had co-operated fully with the review and had decided to follow its guidance and end the investigation.
Lesley Sawers, interim deputy chairman at EHRC, said: ‘We are deeply committed to learning and taking forward actions to ensure the swift and proper handling of complaints in the future.’
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