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Boris Johnson
Photo: NEIL HALL/EPA
A debate about misogyny and sexism rocks the British Parliament.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is coming under increasing pressure.
In a letter to the head of government published on Twitter, Deputy Opposition Leader Angela Rayner demanded an explanation for an alleged “Sexist of the Year” award.
According to a report in the Sunday Times, the award was presented at a Christmas party in Downing Street.
'You are ultimately responsible for the culture and activities that take place at Downing Street under your leadership,' wrote Labor MP Rayner.
Johnson has just said publicly that there is no room for sexism in politics.
Only a few days later, new details became known about the fact that sexist behavior not only took place, but was also acknowledged, Rayner criticized.
Dozens of sexual misconduct complaints
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, recently announced a "radical" reform of the working culture in Parliament after a number of scandals became public.
As recently became known, the internal complaints office in Parliament is currently investigating allegations against at least 56 MPs for sexual misconduct.
An MP resigned over the weekend after being caught watching porn in the House of Commons.
Tory politician Neil Parish admitted on Saturday that he watched a sex film in the House of Commons.
"I think I must have been completely out of good spirits," Parish told the BBC.
The time he watched the porn was a "crazy moment and also completely wrong".
Parish, who has been a Member of Parliament since 2010, was suspended by his Conservative group over Friday's incident.
At least two MPs had previously lodged a complaint against him.
A newspaper report in which anonymous Tory sources accused Rayner of deliberately using her legs to distract Johnson in Parliament also caused outrage.
In her open letter, the deputy opposition leader asked Johnson to comment on what he wanted to do about sexist behavior.
dpa/AFP/asc