A former Conservative MP has appeared in court accused of having a false passport during her time serving in Parliament. Katie Wallis, 41, from Butetown in Cardiff, represented the Bridgend constituency in South Wales from 2019 to 2024.
Wallis made history in 2022 when she became the first openly transgender MP in the House of Commons. She uses female pronouns and was previously known as Jamie before her transition.
Court appearance without legal representation
The former MP appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Monday representing herself in the proceedings. Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, the Recorder of Cardiff, did not read out the specific charge during the hearing.
Wallis had previously appeared in Cardiff Magistrates' Court accused of possessing a false passport "without reasonable excuse". The alleged offence took place in April 2022, whilst she was still serving as a Conservative MP for Bridgend.
Judge advises seeking legal counsel
Judge Lloyd-Clarke adjourned the hearing to allow Wallis time to either seek legal representation or make an informed decision about continuing to represent herself. The judge told her: "I'm going to adjourn this for a short period of time to enable you to decide whether you want to get at least some initial advice."
Wallis, who appeared in court wearing a pink jacket, was released on bail until her next court appearance. The case has been scheduled to resume on August 15 at Cardiff Crown Court.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
