Budget 2016: Everyday Sexism blasts 'downright misogynistic' portrayal of Theresa May in Daily Mail article

Article focused on top worn by Home Secretary under the headline 'Boom and Bust'

Theresa May (EPA)

Everyday Sexism has criticised a report on the Budget that focused on Theresa May’s top as a “depressing, disrespectful and downright misogynistic” portrayal of one of the UK's most senior female politicians.

George Osborne unveiled his Budget in the House of Commons today, where he announced a sugar tax on soft drinks, plans to turn all schools into academies and another £3.5 billion in public spending cuts by 2020.

But the news story bannering the Mail Online’s website about the Chancellor’s plans also made reference to Ms May's outfit with a headline claiming Mr Osborne “gets an eyeful from Theresa”. It also included two pictures of the Home Secretary sat next to him on the front bench.

Articles by The Mirror and the Daily Express also suggested the public was “distracted” by Ms May’s “cleavage enhancing” outfits.

The story elicited furious responses on social media and was branded “unbelievable” by Channel 4 anchor Cathy Newman.

Laura Bates, the founder of Everyday Sexism, told The Independent: “I'd say this is depressing, disrespectful and downright misogynistic. We do not see male politicians being belittled and reduced to their body parts in the press in this way and nor should we.

“Little wonder so many women still feel that politics is a male domain when media outlets still feel it is acceptable, in 2016, to treat senior female political figures in this way.”