Angela Rayner’s Twitter thread responding to a misogynistic attack in the Mail is a crucial read
In its infinite wisdom, the Mail on Sunday published an article accusing Angela Rayner of crossing and uncrossing her legs in the House of Commons in an effort to distract the Prime Minister.
We’re not entirely sure how they tweeted that, since neither Twitter nor the internet existed in 1867, which is apparently where they’re based.
Angela Rayner addressed the slur head-on with this thread that both shoots down the misogyny behind the article and explains how it actually backfired.
It’s a crucial read, but one that shouldn’t have needed to be written.
Women in politics face sexism and misogyny every day – and I’m no different.
This morning’s is the latest dose of gutter journalism courtesy of @MoS_Politics
🧵👇🏻1/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
I stand accused of a “ploy” to “distract” the helpless PM – by being a woman, having legs and wearing clothes.
I am conspiring to “put him off his stride”.
The rest I won’t repeat – but you get the picture.
2/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
Boris Johnson’s cheerleaders have resorted to spreading desperate, perverted smears in their doomed attempts to save his skin.
They know exactly what they are doing. The lies they are telling.
3/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
The potted biography is given – my comprehensive education, my experience as a care worker, my family, my class, my background.
The implication is clear.
4/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
But it is the PM who is dragging the Conservative Party into the sewer – and the anonymous Tory MPs doing his bidding are complicit.
He and his cheerleaders clearly have a big problem with women in public life.
They should be ashamed of themselves.
5/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
I won’t be letting their vile lies deter me.
Their attempts to harass and intimidate me will fail.
I’ve been open about how I’ve had to struggle to get where I am today.
I’m proud of my background, I’m proud of who I am and where I’m from – but it’s taken time.
6/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
I hope this experience doesn’t put off a single person like me, with a background like mine from aspiring to participate in public life.
That would break my heart. 💔
We need more people in politics with backgrounds like mine – and fewer as a hobby to help their mates.
7/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
Thank you to so many of you for your messages of solidarity and support.
For calling this out for what it is. ♥️✊🏻
8/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
You are making a stand in the name of decency – against those who would further coarsen, cheapen and debase our politics to benefit their own interests.
We all deserve so much better. 🌈
9/9
— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) April 24, 2022
Ms Rayner’s thread was widely applauded, and the article roundly condemned.
Well said @AngelaRayner.
The sexism and misogyny peddled by the Tories is a disgraceful new low from a party mired in scandal and chaos. https://t.co/ZqaEACUEiQ
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 24, 2022