Why misogyny counts as the new normal in politics
- 'It's absolutely horrific'
- Local elections serve as first test of public opninion over recent concerns about misogyny in politics
- WATCH our video package on the general consensus at the Salford count
The polls across Greater Manchester and other parts of the UK have served as the first test of public opinion over concerns about misogyny in politics.
The issue made the headlines last month following a Mail on Sunday article about deputy Labour party leader, Angela Rayner.
The piece claimed Rayner tried to distract Prime Minister, Boris Johnson by crossing and uncrossing her legs in parliament.
In the same week Conservative MP Neil Parish was investigated for watching pornography in the House of Commons, leading to his resignation.
NQ spoke to Labour MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey. As a long-time friend of Angela Rayner, she knows more than most about the general feeling in parliament.
She said: “It’s absolutely horrific. We haven’t been there for the last week or so, however, it’s very unsettled and quite febrile at the minute and some of that’s to do with the misogyny issue.”
When asked about whether she’s worried these issues could deter young women from politics, she said: “Definitely. If you behaved like that in any other workplace, shouting and jeering, you’d be sacked on the spot because it’s unacceptable.
“But some of the comments certain members of parliament have made to the press and in public, it’s not right at all.
“They shouldn’t be sexist or misogynistic. It’s really not too much to ask.”