putting it here for people not on twitter
whole statement from AC
Also to make it big enough for me to read it properly
A statement on my father's actions and sentencing.
This week, my father was sentenced to 22 years in prison for a series of serious sexual offences including rape and gross indecency. I am horrified, I am saddened, I am disgusted and I am devastated by these events. I am still coming to terms with what has happened and have taken some time away from social media before commenting publicly.
His crimes are abhorrent. Of that there is no uncertainty. In light of the revelations about my father’s despicable behaviour, and because of the impact my role has on my family and the survivors of my father’s criminal behaviour I have decided to step aside in the Green Party Deputy Leadership race. I do not want the Deputy leadership election to be dominated by what my father has done. I do not want my relationship with him to damage the Green Party, and I want to ensure the focus stays firmly on the good work that the Party is doing.
I did not know about the full details of the crimes my father has been found guilty of until very recently. It is also very difficult to believe that a parent can be guilty of such abhorrent acts. That might be hard for you to understand, or to believe, but it is the truth. I was taken into care a few years ago and have also lived in independent supported housing. There were sustained periods where I did not live in the family home.
But I cannot be held responsible for the actions of my father. I am not to blame for his behavior. Yes, he was my election agent. This was one of a number of ways I was seeking to reconcile my relationship with my father after coming out of care. On reflection, I can understand that it was unacceptable for me to appoint my dad as my election agent when he had been arrested. I can now understand the potential risks of that decision. For that I am sorry.
There are claims that I lied about my father’s name on my election materials. That is not true. You can see here my official registration with Coventry City Council. I was advised externally to use his legal name in official documents (which I did) and his nickname - the name he is known by in the community - on public materials. It is my understanding that the official registration would have been cross referenced with the electoral roll.
The offences committed by my father took place in the attic of our family home. I did not go into the attic during my adult life - it was considered ‘dad’s space’. That didn’t seem unusual for me at the time.
I am incredibly sad and angry that my own very personal decision to transition is being linked to my father’s behavior. I made a decision to transition at a young age, while I was in care. This is a deeply personal journey for me and one which I I have made independently from my relationship with my dad. I was not influenced to do so, told to do so, asked to do so. I am a trans woman and this is my own journey.
While I piece my own feelings back together, I want to underscore that my thoughts are firmly with the survivors of my father’s abhorrent behavior including young women whose lives will be impacted forever. I ask for privacy while I rebuild myself and while I look after my mum who is also coming to terms with this, I am currently on a break from my Green Party roles to allow me the space to do this. I want to ensure I stand in solidarity with all survivors of my father's actions, including cooperating with the authorities where that is appropriate.