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Owen Smith describes accusations of sexism as 'mortifying' Owen Smith describes accusations of sexism as 'mortifying'
(35 minutes later)
Owen Smith has said being accused of using sexist language was “the most mortifying experience” and a handful of phrases he used had been exaggerated and taken out of context to present a false impression.Owen Smith has said being accused of using sexist language was “the most mortifying experience” and a handful of phrases he used had been exaggerated and taken out of context to present a false impression.
The Labour leadership candidate faced tough questions, and jeers at one point, over accusations of sexism when he appeared alongside his fellow contender Jeremy Corbyn at a Labour women’s hustings in Westminster on Monday night. The Labour leadership candidate faced tough questions, and jeers at one point, over accusations of sexism when he appeared alongside his fellow contender, Jeremy Corbyn, at a Labour women’s hustings in Westminster on Monday night.
In July, Smith apologised for saying in a speech that he wanted “smash her [Theresa May] back on her heels”. In July, Smith apologised for saying in a speech that he wanted to “smash her [Theresa May] back on her heels”.
The remark led to examination of earlier statements by Smith, including a 2010 article in which he likened the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition to domestic violence and an occasion on which he told the Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, that she appeared on BBC1’s Question Time more often than him because she was a woman.The remark led to examination of earlier statements by Smith, including a 2010 article in which he likened the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition to domestic violence and an occasion on which he told the Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, that she appeared on BBC1’s Question Time more often than him because she was a woman.
One questioner at the hustings told Smith that his comments were “deeply gendered, quite violent and aggressive towards women,” and asked if this meant he was out of touch with equality issues.One questioner at the hustings told Smith that his comments were “deeply gendered, quite violent and aggressive towards women,” and asked if this meant he was out of touch with equality issues.
Smith replied: “It has been the most mortifying experience for me in this contest to have been painted as sexist, because it’s the last thing I am.Smith replied: “It has been the most mortifying experience for me in this contest to have been painted as sexist, because it’s the last thing I am.
“In truth, some of the things you said reflected the way in which some phrases I used, either in a tweet or speech, have been decontextualised and repeated in order to portray me as being sexist.”“In truth, some of the things you said reflected the way in which some phrases I used, either in a tweet or speech, have been decontextualised and repeated in order to portray me as being sexist.”
Smith was jeered by some of the crowd after reiterating his explanation that the comment about May was a sporting analogy, though he did say it was an “ugly phrase”, for which he had apologised. Smith was jeered by some of the crowd after repeating his explanation that the comment about May was a sporting analogy, though he did say it was an “ugly phrase”, for which he had apologised.
“To extrapolate from that that I am a sexist is untrue,” Smith said.“To extrapolate from that that I am a sexist is untrue,” Smith said.
Earlier on Monday, a tweet from April emerged in which he joked about a giant gobstopper being an ideal gift for the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.Earlier on Monday, a tweet from April emerged in which he joked about a giant gobstopper being an ideal gift for the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.
Perfect 'slice' served up by ladies of the Ritz, Millport. They've got the perfect present for @NicolaSturgeon too.. pic.twitter.com/Db8SsYwoYoPerfect 'slice' served up by ladies of the Ritz, Millport. They've got the perfect present for @NicolaSturgeon too.. pic.twitter.com/Db8SsYwoYo
At a speech on Monday morning, the Pontypridd MP dismissed the idea that this was offensive, calling it “a bit of political banter” and stressing that his three leadership campaign co-chairs are female MPs: Kate Green, Lisa Nandy and Heidi Alexander.At a speech on Monday morning, the Pontypridd MP dismissed the idea that this was offensive, calling it “a bit of political banter” and stressing that his three leadership campaign co-chairs are female MPs: Kate Green, Lisa Nandy and Heidi Alexander.
During the hustings, Corbyn made a mocking reference to Smith’s explanation, referring to a recent trade union report on the problem of sexist language in the workplace being excused as “banter”.During the hustings, Corbyn made a mocking reference to Smith’s explanation, referring to a recent trade union report on the problem of sexist language in the workplace being excused as “banter”.
Smith said at the hustings: “I’ve never suggested that women should be seen and not heard, which is how some of the other things I’ve said have been interpreted. All I can do is apologise for any offence that’s been caused by any of the things I’ve said.”Smith said at the hustings: “I’ve never suggested that women should be seen and not heard, which is how some of the other things I’ve said have been interpreted. All I can do is apologise for any offence that’s been caused by any of the things I’ve said.”
Several audience members suggested that Corbyn and Smith could consider sharing the Labour leadership, with the former taking responsibility for the membership and the latter being in charge of the parliamentary party. This brought the objection from Corbyn that the split in roles would most likely see Smith become prime minister if Labour won an election.Several audience members suggested that Corbyn and Smith could consider sharing the Labour leadership, with the former taking responsibility for the membership and the latter being in charge of the parliamentary party. This brought the objection from Corbyn that the split in roles would most likely see Smith become prime minister if Labour won an election.
Corbyn has also faced criticism over gender issues. In July, 44 of his female MPs wrote to the Labour leader calling on him to do more to tackle abuse and threats. Corbyn has also faced criticism over gender issues. In July, 44 of his female MPs wrote to the Labour leader calling on him to do more to tackle abuse and threats within the party.