PM is branded sexist over 'calm down, dear' jibe

Published on Wednesday 27 April 2011 14:42

PRIME Minister David Cameron has been described as "petty and patronising" after he refused to apologise for telling a female Labour frontbencher to "calm down, dear."

In what was quickly dubbed "Winner-gate" after the TV advert featuring film director Michael Winner, Mr Cameron appeared to lose his cool after he became flustered by questions from Labour leader Ed Miliband regarding NHS waiting times.During the raucous exchanges in the first Prime Minister's questions since the spring recess, Labour shadow chief Treasury secretary Angela Eagle noticeably took exception to claims made by Mr Cameron that waiting times had dropped last month.

Flapping his hand at her, Mr Cameron said "calm down, dear" prompting a furious reaction from Labour's frontbench.

But Mr Cameron refused to apologise and instead repeated the phrase six more times.

Labour claimed his language was "unparliamentary" and Mr Miliband said: "I think it was petty and patronising and he should apologise".

He added: "It's the sort of thing you might expect 50 years ago not in the 21st century."

But the Tories said Labour just lacked a sense of humour.

A source close to Mr Cameron said: "I think you'll find it's a popular advert. I think you may be over-analysing a humorous remark."

A Tory spokesman added: "Labour seem desperate to talk about anything other than the economy after the good news on growth figures and Ed Miliband's weak performance today."

This was not the first time that Mr Cameron has appeared to lose his temper during exchanges in PMQs and privately Labour figures are delighted that they believe the pressure is "beginning to tell."

Before the recess Mr Cameron lost his temper with shadow Chancellor Ed Balls after sustained heckling. Mr Cameron described him as "the most annoying man in British politics."