Wellington councillor decides to live as a woman at 65
Wellington civic leaders have praised the bravery of a town councillor who has decided at the age of 65 to live life as a woman.
Councillor Jane Chaplin attended this week's Wellington Town Council meeting for the first time after previously representing the College ward as David Chaplin.
The Conservative councillor, who also served on Telford & Wrekin Council between 2010/11, thanked fellow councillors for their support during her transition.
Councillor Chaplin, who works for Cannock Chase Council as a private sector housing manager, said she had always known she wanted to live life as a woman despite being married for many years.
"I have always known that I wanted to go this way but life gets in the way," she said. "People are being very supportive, certainly the town council, my employer, friends and relatives.
"I informed the council that I wanted to be known as Jane in February and Tuesday night was my first meeting as Jane."
Councillor Chaplin, who has lived in Wellington for 34 years, said: "My transition is ongoing but now is the time to live as Jane. So far I have had lots of support from a wide range of people, including the Wolverhampton charity Gender Matters. My journey is good – it is freeing and I can truly be myself."
Councillor Chaplin had leave of absence from the council for eight months following the death of his 65-year-old wife, Rosemary, in May 2012. Rosemary also served on the town council and was a borough councillor.
Retiring town mayor Councillor Frank Burns said: "I am pleased to see Councillor Chaplin continuing her work on the council and the best of luck to her in her future life."
