Senior Tories are concerned that their conference will be the latest to be overshadowed by a row over trans rights, after the party said it was standing by its decision to host a group accused of expressing anti-trans views. Several Conservative figures have called on the party to reverse its decision to offer a place at conference to the LGB Alliance, which states it campaigns for those “whose rights in law are based on sexual orientation not gender identity”. It has accused the LGBTQ+ movement of being “dominated by gender identity extremism”, but has denied it is transphobic. Despite the concerns, the party said it was standing by its decision to allow the group a stall at conference in Manchester. “We host a wide range of groups that may have differing opinions on complex issues,” said a spokesperson. “We do so as a party that believes in open and respectful debate.” The row comes as Carrie Johnson, the prime minister’s wife, is set to give a speech to the LGBT+ Conservative group, which is affiliated to the party. Some members said they felt concerned about the impact of the LGB Alliance’s presence on trans people attending conference. Johnson is guest of honour as an “ally” of LGBT campaigners.