Wallasey MP Angela Eagle brands PM 'old-fashioned sexist'

Apr 28 2011

WALLASEY MP Angela Eagle has branded the Prime Minister an "old-fashioned sexist", after he repeatedly told her to "calm down, dear" during fierce Commons clashes.

Ms Eagle, a Treasury spokeswoman, said the episode – which triggered a furious political row – was "condescending and not worthy of a Prime Minister".

Aides to Labour leader Ed Miliband went further, demanding that David Cameron apologise for remarks that were "patronising, sexist and insulting".

One MP called it "pure Bullingdon Club".

And the remark sparked a furious reaction on Mumsnet, the influential parenting website popular with politicians. Many of the comments are unprintable.

It was not the first time Mr Cameron has parroted the catchphrase made famous by film director Michael Winner in a TV advert – but the first time he has directed it at a woman.

But Downing Street refused to back down.

A spokeswoman said: "Let’s not over-analyse something that was clearly a humorous remark.

"He was mimicking a popular TV ad, and clearly no offence was meant."

When asked if Mr Cameron might get in touch with Ms Eagle privately, the spokeswoman replied: "I have said all I’m going to say on that one."