Sex-switch not crucial issue in Beyer victory

By Eugene Bingham

Georgina Beyer rode a wave of local popularity and a swing towards Labour to become, possibly, the world's first transgender MP.

Ms Beyer beat National newcomer Paul Henry by 2778 votes to claim the Wairarapa seat.

Her victory was remarkable because of the hurdles she has overcome and the strong support that had existed in the seat for National.

Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Wyatt Creech won the seat last election with a majority of 7800.

But the tide had well and truly turned Labour's way this time. It cleaned up the party vote, too.

Ms Beyer credits that swing, as well as her popularity as mayor of Carterton, rather than any "curiosity value" for her victory.

"Generally my gender is more of a media issue than anything," the new MP said.

Still, she believes her past will help her to handle the rough and tumble of national politics.

That past was set out in a biography published this year.

It recorded that Ms Beyer was born George Bertrand and spent time as a male prostitute before undergoing a sex-change operation and turning her life around.

The 42-year-old will retain her mayoralty, but does not intend dipping into the public purse twice.

"I will relinquish my honorarium and not take it for my own personal use."