BOJO SEXISM STORM
Boris Johnson is accused of sexism in the Commons after he calls Corbyn ally Emily Thornberry by her husband’s name
The Foreign Secretary was forced to apologise to Emily Thornberry after a blast from Speaker John Bercow
BORIS JOHNSON was today forced to apologise for being sexist after he mocked a top Corbyn ally by calling her by her husband’s name.
The Foreign Secretary called Emily Thornberry “Baroness whatever-it-is” then referred to her as “Lady Nugee” in the House of Commons this morning.
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Boris was blasted by Speaker John Bercow, who said he was being “inappropriate and frankly sexist”.
Ms Thornberry is married to a top judge named Sir Christopher Nugee, meaning she has the right to call herself Lady Nugee, although she never uses the title.
Responding to questions in Parliament, the Foreign Secretary referred to her as “the noble and learned Baroness whatever-it-is, I can’t remember” - then added “Nugee!” after other Tories shouted out her husband’s name.
Mr Bercow - who was recently accused of bullying his staff - then intervened to discipline Mr Johnson.
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He said: “Firstly, we don’t namecall in this chamber. Secondly, we do not address people by the titles of their spouses.
“The shadow foreign secretary has a name and it’s not ‘Lady Something’, we know what her name is, and it is inappropriate and frankly sexist to speak in those terms.
“That parlance is not legitimate, it will not be allowed and it will be called out. I’ve said what the position is and believe me that is the end of the matter.”
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In a highly unusual breach of normal etiquette, Labour MPs started clapping in response to the Speaker’s comments.
Boris replied with a grovelling apology, saying: “Can I crave indulgence just to prostrate myself in front of you and apologise for any inadvertent sexism or discourtesy?
“I meant no harm and I apologise if I have offended the honourable lady.”
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Speaking shortly afterwards, junior minister Harriett Baldwin defended Mr Johnson, insisting he is "a passionate feminist without a sexist bone in his body".
Ms Thornberry has previously said she refuses to use the title Lady Nugee because she doesn’t want to take credit for her husband’s professional success.
This afternoon Mr Bercow issued another ticking-off when Labour MP Geraint Davies referred to top Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg as "Moggy" during a Commons debate.
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