In a characteristically acerbic dispatch from the parliamentary front lines, veteran sketch writer Quentin Letts has turned his razor-sharp wit upon Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, delivering what may be one of the most bizarre and personal critiques ever levelled in Westminster fashion commentary.
During Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions, Letts' attention was captured not by policy discussions, but by Phillipson's "weirdly precise bob," which he described with theatrical flourish as swinging "like a black satin curtain in a Istanbul brothel." The remark, appearing in his Daily Mail column, has sparked raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
A Theatrical Performance at the Dispatch Box
Letts depicted Phillipson's performance as overly rehearsed, comparing her delivery to that of a "precocious sixth-former" attempting to impress teachers rather than engaging in genuine political debate. His critique extended to her vocal delivery, which he characterized as possessing a "northern lilt" that occasionally slipped into something resembling a "Welsh accent."
The shadow minister's questioning of Rishi Sunak focused on education policy, particularly the government's handling of school concrete safety issues. Yet according to Letts, her technical critique of RAAC concrete problems was overshadowed by her theatrical presentation.
Fashion Over Substance?
Letts' commentary represents a particularly vivid example of the personal scrutiny faced by female politicians in Westminster. His detailed focus on Phillipson's appearance – from the "inky darkness" of her hair to its precise movement – highlights the additional layer of criticism women in politics often encounter beyond their policy positions.
While parliamentary sketch writing has traditionally employed colorful metaphor and personal observation, this particular comparison has struck many as crossing into unusually vivid territory, even by Westminster's robust standards.
The incident raises continuing questions about the boundaries of political commentary and whether personal appearance should feature so prominently in assessments of political performance, particularly when directed at female ministers shadowing traditionally male-dominated portfolios like education policy.
