Labour MP Tracy Brabin has hit back after she was criticised for wearing a one shoulder dress in the Commons.
As the shadow culture secretary raised a point of order on Tuesday, someone shared a photo of her outfit on Twitter, writing: “Is this really appropriate attire for parliament? #DressStandards”.
Responding on social media, Brabin – the MP for Batley and Spen – said: “Sorry I don’t have time to reply to all of you commenting on this, but I can confirm I’m not.... a slag, hungover, a tart, about to breastfeed, a slapper, drunk, just been banged over a wheelie bin.”
“Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder...” she added.
The row came as Brabin discussed Downing Street’s decision to ban some outlets – including HuffPost UK – from a briefing on Monday.
The incident happened after No.10 invited a select group of political journalists to a “technical briefing” on Boris Johnson’s plans for a trade deal with the EU – despite the fact it was set to be held by the PM’s lead Brexit negotiator, who is obliged to behave in a neutral manner.
When political editors from other news outlets arrived with their colleagues, they were told they would not be allowed to stay, leading the whole group of journalists to walk out in protest.
Speaking on Tuesday, Brabin said that the ability of the lobby – the name given to political journalists who work in Westminster – to have access to briefings “without favour” was “vital to the health of a functioning democracy”.
She added: “The government’s behaviour in these matters threatens the civil service’s core values of impartiality and objectivity.
“It also brings into question the integrity of future government-media briefings and the conduct of its special advisers and damages a free and vibrant press.”