17 June 2025 , 21:19
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A former Conservative MP has pleaded guilty to harassing her ex-wife by leaving a series of messages and a voice note.
Katie Wallis, who was the MP for Bridgend in South Wales between 2019 and 2024, admitted ‘harassment without violence’ of Rebecca Wallis.
The court heard the incidents took place between February and March this year.
Previously known as Jamie, Wallis became the first openly transgender British MP in 2022.
She told the court: ‘My preferred name is Katie, but my legal name is still Jamie.’
Defence lawyer Narita Bahra KC used male pronouns when referring to her client during the session at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today.
She said: ‘He has, on balance, taken the pragmatic view, and recognises that he has previously had a public profile and taken the view that he can be rearraigned.’
The lawyer told the court her client did not wish to put her former partner, or their families, through anything further.
Ms Bahra said a psychiatric assessment and a pre-sentence report would be required ahead of sentencing, which is due to take place on July 14.
The assessment would examine the impact of Wallis’s gender transition on her mental health during the period the offences occurred, she added.
Wallis was released on bail.
World Affairs Correspondent