Melksham and Devizes Conservative Association are delighted that Sharron Davies, the former Olympic swimmer, will be made a Conservative peer after leading a campaign to ban biological men from women’s sports.
Ms Davies has been a fearless campaigner for female sports, including campaigning for female sports to be restricted to biological women in 2019 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) removed the requirement for athletes who identify as women to have had sex reassignment surgery.
As an ambassador for women in sports she has been instrumental in promoting the importance of sports, particularly in young people.
“I’m very proud to be asked and glad I don’t have to keep the secret any longer since I was asked in June! It has been a strange six months of waiting,” said Ms Davies.
“My dad will be turning 90 soon (and he’s still coaching kids’ swimming) so I am very pleased he will see this huge family honour.
“I’m excited to carry on fighting for women’s rights and safeguarding, as well as trying to encourage more young people to get involved and stay in sports.
“Sports is a great way to improve both physical and mental health and getting all children swimming, which is a lifesaving skill, is something I will keep campaigning for.”
The Rt Hon Michelle Donelan, the former MP for Chippenham, added:
"Sharron Davies has stood up for common sense and fairness in sport time and time again, often at great personal cost and in the face of vile abuse.
"Her peerage rightly reflects years of standing firm when staying silent would have been the easier option. Well done Sharron!"
Photo credit: Clara Molden for The Telegraph
