Trans judge seeks leave to take part in case over definition of 'woman'

The UK's first transgender judge is seeking leave to join the litigation in a crucial supreme court case that could overturn legal recognition of transgender people, the Guardian has learned.

- Libby Brooks

Victoria McCloud, a senior civil judge who became the youngest person appointed as master of the high court in 2010, is making an application to be an "intervener" in the supreme court appeal brought by the campaign group For Women Scotland about the legal definition of "woman". Interveners can put a case without being among the main parties to the litigation.

For Women Scotland is challenging whether Scottish government legislation aimed at improving gender balance on public boards should include transgender women.

The Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 has been the subject of a long-running court action by the group, which most recently resulted in a ruling by Lady Haldane at the court of session that it was lawful to extend the definition of "woman" to transgender women with a gender recognition certificate.