Steerpike Steerpike

Labour’s faux sexism row

Rishi Sunak (photo: Getty)

With Sir Keir Starmer struggling to make a mark and the Tories maintaining a poll lead, there’s been a concerted effort of late among those on the Left to take on Rishi Sunak. Labour brains view the Chancellor as the government’s biggest electoral asset – particularly among swing voters. That perhaps goes some way to explain why certain members of the commentariat along with Starmer’s front bench were so quick to go on the offensive this afternoon.

The problem? An answer Sunak gave during Treasury Questions on the efforts of working mothers during the pandemic. Sunak was quoted online as saying: 

‘We owe mums everywhere an enormous debt of thanks for doing the enormously difficult job of juggling childcare and work at this tricky time.’

His prose quickly riled commentators and Labour politicians alike – with several on social media suggesting this was positively sexist.

Steerpike
Written by
Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in