Green MP's Colourful Outfit Ignites Debate Over Sartorial Shaming in Politics
When new Green MP Hannah Spencer delivered her maiden speech in the House of Commons, the reaction was so intense that one might have assumed she had worn a crop top and stripper heels, according to commentator Cleo Watson. The controversy centred not on any breach of parliamentary dress codes, but on her choice of a pink shirt, blue waistcoat, and green trousers, sparking a wider discussion about the persistent scrutiny of women politicians' appearances.
Outcry Over a Colourful Ensemble
The sartorial shaming of Hannah Spencer during her parliamentary debut last week has been described as some of the silliest pant-wetting, pearl-clutching commentary in recent memory. Critics accused her of dressing like a clown, a child, or a CBeebies presenter, despite her outfit consisting of a modest shirt buttoned to the neck, a waistcoat, and tailored trousers, with her hair neatly tied back. The faux pas, it seems, was simply her daring to wear colours beyond the traditional navy, black, and charcoal that many commentators prefer.
One Twitter user even used AI to "correct" her look, transforming her into a plain white shirt and navy pencil skirt paired with the so-called "Labour bob" haircut favoured by high-ranking women in the Starmer government, such as Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell. This digital makeover made Spencer appear more like an executive at Deloitte or reminiscent of Liz Truss, raising questions about whether looks can be deceiving in politics.
Historical Context and Double Standards
Spencer's outfit did not violate any guidelines in Erskine May, the parliamentary rulebook, yet the backlash highlights a broader issue. Women in politics often face tedious and weird scrutiny over their appearances, a phenomenon Cleo Watson knows well from her time as a Conservative staffer. She recalls that prospective parliamentary candidates were once offered colour analysis services to align with Tory blue, advising them to purchase structured dresses and pencil skirts from retailers like LK Bennett.
Theresa May broke this mould by wearing whatever she pleased, including leopard-print kitten heels and over-the-knee boots, which many agreed showcased her personality. However, when she appeared tired from negotiations, she was branded "haggard," whereas male leaders like Barack Obama, who adopted a uniform to simplify decisions, were praised for their dedication when showing signs of stress.
Practical Advice for Women MPs
In light of this ongoing scrutiny, Watson offers styling tips for Hannah Spencer and other women MPs. She suggests investing in a weekly blow dry and dry shampoo to save time, keeping interesting accessories like earrings or red lipstick in a desk drawer for quick transformations, and wearing what makes them feel good. Ultimately, she advises ignoring all commentary on appearance, including her own, to focus on their roles as public servants.
This incident underscores the need for a shift in how women politicians are judged, moving beyond superficial critiques to focus on their policies and contributions. As Spencer continues her parliamentary career, her colourful outfit may serve as a symbol of authenticity in a field often dominated by conformity.
