Tracy Brabin MP is auctioning her off-the-shoulder dress for charity following the 'silly' rowing about her clothing

The MP is going to donate the money to a charity working to empower young women and girls.

The Labour MP who was criticised for showing her shoulder during a session in the House Commons has announced she will be auctioning off the outfit for charity.

MP for Batley and Spen Tracy Brabin has was forced to defend her choice of attire after the off-the-shoulder dress drew criticism from some claiming it was inappropriate for Parliament.

She said the dress, which was originally from Asos, had now sold out due to the row.

Sold out

"This is an ASOS dress which has been flying off the shelves as a result of the coverage - and is now sold out!" the eBay listing read.

"All money raised will go to Girlguiding UK to support their work helping girls build confidence and self-esteem, in the hope that they grow up to be leaders. Please bid generously!"

Tracy Brabin MP is now auctioning the dress on Ebay. Picture: PA Wire

A day after the dress was first listed there had already been more than 80 bids on the item and £1,700 raised.

Backlash

Ms Brabin was criticised and labelled a "slag" and "tart" after she the dress slipped off her shoulder as she leaned on the despatch box in the Commons, attempting to rest her broken ankle, on Tuesday.

After she made her statement on the Government's decision to ban some journalists from Downing Street briefings, she received backlash on Twitter from some questioning whether her clothes were "appropriate".

Tracy Brabin raising a point of order in the House of Commons on Monday. Picture: PA Wire

Responding to the backlash, Ms Brabin said: "Sorry I don't have time to reply to all of you commenting on this but I can confirm I'm not... A slag, Hungover, A tart, About to breastfeed, A slapper, Drunk, Just been banged over a wheelie bin.

"Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder..."

Everyday sexism

The shadow culture secretary later said the reaction to her outfit was an example "everyday sexism" faced by many women, including those in the public eye.

She said that discussing what women wear is a way of demeaning them in the profession or in positions of power and she felt she should take a stand for all those who are not able to do so.

She told ITV's Lorraine on Thursday: "It is quite extraordinary. There is a really important question to the Government about transparency and civil servants potentially breaking their code of integrity, and all people are talking about is the shoulder. So, I thought it was important I pushed back against that.

"Also, it's a privilege I have that I have the confidence to brush it off, given my role, and I thought it was really important I replied because lots of women around the country, around the world, don't have that opportunity to push back against those people that patronise them.

"Basically, it's everyday sexism. I've been trying to call it out, that there's more going on in Parliament than my shoulder."

Ms Brabin added that "it does feel it's always a good way to demean women who are in positions of power - just talk about what they are wearing and how they look...

"There's loads to discuss and I know if it was my predecessor, Tom Watson, nobody would be talking about the colour of his tie."

Ms Brabin said the criticism over her outfit will not make her think twice about what she wears in future.

"Every day you go to work there are cameras in the chamber 24/7. I always show the House respect; if there was a problem I'm sure Mr Speaker would tell me," she said.

"I absolutely don't know quite where it came from and I do think it's slightly absurd. You know, we are talking about shoulders, in the scheme of things, when there's so much to discuss it does feel a little silly."

Her decision to wear the dress was defended by many who pointed out that there were more pressing issues that should be debated in the political world.

The Women's Equality Party said: "We support Tracy Brabin opposing Downing St's decision ordering senior journalists to leave before the briefing for Boris Johnson's Brexit plans. Government decisions must be accessible in a democratic society. Her shoulder is irrelevant."