After the Deputy PM defended her right on TV news to dance and dress how she likes, Mirror columnist Polly Hudson praises the Northern working class politician as a woman of substance, but says she’ll never win against the snobs and misogynists
Members of Parliament have got up to some pretty dodgy stuff in recent times – from Chris Pincher to Neil Parish via Matt Hancock.
Their wrong-doings have ranged from groping allegations to tractor porn viewing and breaking their own Covid rules with an affair at work.
But now – and hopefully you’re sitting down – the worst, most despicable act of them all. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister no less, has been caught on tape DANCING.
Obviously there was a huge public outcry. Former Tory MP Nadine Dorries showed that, as always, she has her finger on the pulse and her mind on what really matters, condemning Dancegate as “ill-judged” and “utterly adolescent”.
FFS.
Rayner was questioned about the video on Sky TV, and it’s truly remarkable that she managed to keep her cool. Actually maybe it’s not remarkable, maybe it’s totally depressing – because at this point she is so well accustomed to being criticised over absolutely ridiculous nonsense.
“I was on holiday for a couple of days,” she explained, “I take my job really seriously, and I’m always in parliament and I’m always doing what needs to be done and I’ll continue to do that. I just think everybody has got to have down time.”
Angela did also point out that she cannot win – she is condemned for dancing in Ibiza and also for going to the Opera, for being too low rent and having ideas above her station.
And that on the day she walked into Downing Street for the first time, that incredible, proud moment of achievement, all anyone talked about was her outfit.
“I came off my council estate,” she continued. “I’ve worked really hard, I brought my child up when I was 16 and I’ve worked my way to being respected to get to this position and show that I’ve got worth in what I’m doing, and you’re talking about what dress or jacket I’m wearing.”
This happens to Angela, of course, because she is guilty of the greatest crime of all. Being a woman. Misogyny and snobbery have been heaped upon this inspiring, impressive individual her whole career. They are par for her course.
When has any male politician ever had to apologise for dancing on holiday, or had the important point they’re making completely ignored because everybody’s too busy critiquing his look? Or talking about whether he crossed his legs or not?
It’s exasperating. It’s infuriating. But most of all, it’s just so, so, BORING.
“I’m trying to do a job for people and that [discussing her clothes] distracts sometimes and it’s frustrating,” Angela said. “Let’s talk about the substance.”
Yes. Let’s.
Although also, if Nadine Dorries disagrees with what you’re doing, you’re definitely on the right the path. Keep going, Angela!