Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been criticised for allegedly calling Prime Minister Theresa May a “stupid woman” in the House of Commons.
UPDATE 16:00 — Corbyn Denies Calling May a ‘Stupid Woman’
MPs returned to the House later on Wednesday afternoon, where Speaker John Bercow said that he did not witness the statement and said that all MPs must be taken at their word. The Speaker then invited Mr Corbyn to make a statement.
Standing briefly at the dispatch box, the far-left Labour leader said, “During Prime Minister’s Question time today, I referred to those who I believe were seeking to turn a debate about the national crisis facing our country into a pantomime as ‘stupid people.’
“Mr Speaker, I did not use the words ‘stupid woman’ about the prime minister or anyone else, and am completely opposed to the use of sexist or misogynist language in absolutely any form at all.
“I’m happy to place that on the record at your request this afternoon.”
Some Conservative Party members did not accept Corbyn’s versions of events, with MP Rachel Maclean saying, “Read my lips — I don’t believe him.”
Bercow then chastised Ms Maclean for “impuning” Corbyn, saying “it is well established that a member is to be taken at his or her word.”
Original reporting continues below
The insult was allegedly made during Wednesday afternoon’s Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) after a heated debate between the two leaders, when Mrs May said of Mr Corbyn, “I know it’s the Christmas season and the pantomime season. He’s going to put a confidence vote — oh yes he is! Oh no he isn’t!”
“I’ve got some advice. Look behind you! They are not impressed and neither is the country,” she quipped.
A camera then panned to the Labour leader, who appeared to say under his breath, “stupid woman”.
NEW – As Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman insists the Labour leader said “stupid people” during PMQs, an expert lipreader tells 5 News that the words were “stupid woman”. pic.twitter.com/VKZDBOJfRj
— Channel 5 News (@5_News) December 19, 2018
The far-left politician then left the chamber, with Conservative MPs later raising their objection to the alleged insult and demanding the Labour leader return and apologise.
Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow said that he does not have the power to recall the London MP, but would review footage and said he would expect Mr Corbyn to return if censure were necessary.
A spokesman for Corbyn denied that he called Mrs May a “stupid woman” and had instead said “stupid people” — allegedly in relation to Mrs May’s Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
Several Tory MPs demanded Corbyn apologise, some calling the remark “misogynistic.”
"Would it not be appropriate for him to come back and apologise?" – An MP's request for Jeremy Corbyn to apologise for apparently mouthing 'stupid woman' at Theresa May was refused by John Bercow.
Follow the latest here: https://t.co/rFPdQZ2XWO pic.twitter.com/RpgyQXMJvs
— Sky News Politics (@SkyNewsPolitics) December 19, 2018
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