A single decision. A silent line drawn. And now, one of This Morning’s most recognisable faces has walked away — not quietly, but with conviction.
Ashley James has officially stepped down from her role as a Girlguiding ambassador with immediate effect, in a powerful act of protest following the organisation’s controversial new policy barring transgender girls from joining as new members.
The former reality star and ITV personality confirmed her resignation in an emotional social media statement that instantly sent shockwaves through both the entertainment world and the wider equality debate — sparking an overwhelming outpouring of public support.
“This decision has devastated me”
Girlguiding announced earlier this week that “trans girls and young women, and others not recorded female at birth, will no longer be able to join Girlguiding as new young members.” The decision followed April’s Supreme Court ruling on sex and gender definitions.
For Ashley, the announcement was a line she could not cross.
Sharing her heartbreak publicly, she wrote:
“The decision to exclude trans girls has devastated me.”
She went on to directly challenge the narrative she says is now hurting real children:
“Trans girls are not a threat.”
“They were every bit as bright, joyful and deserving”
Ashley revealed that her role as an ambassador had brought her face-to-face with young people across the country — including trans girls who, she said, made a lasting impression on her.
“I’ve seen it in the faces of the young people I met on site visits — including trans girls, who were every bit as bright, joyful and deserving as any other child.”
But now, she says, those same children and their families have been pulled unwillingly into the heart of a political and cultural storm.
“Some of those girls and their families have now found themselves caught in the crossfire of culture wars they never asked to be part of.”
“They are not a threat to us. They are our sisters.”
In one of the most powerful passages of her statement, Ashley addressed the wider trans community directly:
“I am truly heartbroken for the trans community who simply want to live their lives, be included, and have access to safe, supportive spaces.”
She added:
“Trans girls experience the same threats as other women and girls — they are not a threat to us. They are our sisters.”
It was after this that she announced her resignation:
“And so, with a very heavy heart, I will be stepping down as a Girlguiding ambassador with immediate effect. I stand with my trans sisters today and always.”
A resignation that ignited a movement of support
Within minutes, Ashley’s comment section filled with messages of solidarity.
One long-standing member wrote:
“Well done and well said. I’ve been a WI member for 15 years and after today’s decision, I can no longer remain part of the organisation.”
Another added:
“Such a disappointing statement to read from them — but good on you for standing by your values.”
A third supporter said:
“They had such an opportunity to champion inclusion and care for all people — and they didn’t. Well done Ashley for standing up for what’s true to you.”
Girlguiding responds after mounting backlash
In response to the growing controversy, the chair of trustees for Girlguiding released a detailed statement defending the organisation’s decision.
She explained that following the Supreme Court ruling, many charities were now facing “complex decisions about what it means for girls and women and for the wider communities affected.”
After legal advice and consultations with staff, members and Girlguiding’s council, the board concluded that:
“Membership will now be restricted to girls and young women as defined in the Equality Act.”
Despite the change, the organisation insists it still believes in inclusion and has created a specialist taskforce to support marginalised groups.
“While Girlguiding may feel different going forward, our core aims and principles will always endure,” the statement said.
A stand that now defines her
For Ashley James, this moment has become more than a resignation — it has become a symbolic stand, drawing a clear personal line between institutional policy and personal conscience.
Closing her message, she pledged:
“Inclusion makes us stronger, and I will continue to use my voice to fight for a world where every girl — cis or trans — grows up where she belongs.”
And with that, one role ended — but a far louder voice emerged.