**Ex-Tory MP in Court Over Alleged False Passport Possession**
A former Conservative Member of Parliament has appeared before Cardiff Crown Court charged with possessing a fake passport, in a case that has drawn national attention due to the accused’s previous high-profile political status.
Katie Wallis, aged 41, who represented Bridgend in South Wales between 2019 and 2024, found herself facing allegations that date back to April 2022, a period while she was still serving as a sitting MP. Wallis, who is recognised as the first openly transgender MP in the UK after coming out in 2022, continues to be an influential figure for many in the LGBTQ+ community. She currently resides in Butetown, Cardiff.
The charge relating to the passport was not formally read out during the proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday. However, at a previous appearance before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, Wallis stood accused of possessing a false passport “without reasonable excuse”. The specifics of what led to the accusation remain unclear at this stage, with further details likely to emerge as the case progresses.
For Monday’s hearing, Wallis, who has previously used the name Jamie Wallis, opted to represent herself. Entering the courtroom wearing a pink jacket, she maintained a composed and dignified appearance in front of the judge and the waiting media outside. The matter of legal representation was quickly brought to the fore by Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, Recorder of Cardiff, who expressed concern for Wallis’s right to proper legal counsel.
“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,” said Judge Lloyd-Clarke, stressing the importance of informed representation in cases carrying serious implications. The judge emphasised that Wallis should be given the opportunity to consider her options ahead of future proceedings.
The court heard that the alleged incident occurred in April 2022, overlapping Wallis’s tenure as a Conservative MP. This period in Wallis’s career was not without controversy, but it was also marked by her historic role as a trailblazer for transgender representation in Westminster. Her public coming out was considered a watershed moment for Parliament and was widely reported in national media.
Wallis was granted bail and is next expected to return to court on 15 August. Until then, she has not entered a plea to the charge, and it remains to be seen whether she will choose to appoint legal counsel before her next appearance. The court proceedings have inevitably attracted significant public and media interest, particularly given the intertwining of legal, political, and social issues.
It is also worth noting the wider context in which this case is unfolding. The intersection of criminal allegations and public service raises questions about transparency, accountability, and support for politicians facing legal challenges. As yet, neither the former MP herself nor representatives from the Conservative Party have commented on the specifics of the case.
As the case moves forward, further developments are anticipated, and the legal process is expected to cast more light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence. The ramifications for Wallis, both personally and professionally, could be considerable, regardless of the final outcome.
The public and political circles alike will be watching closely as the next chapter in this story unfolds, with many eager to see how the justice system responds to allegations involving figures from the nation’s legislative body.