Labour MP in sexism row after Louise Mensch tweet

By Ian Dunt

Labour MP Austin Mitchell found himself embroiled in a sexism row today after he sent an aggressive tweet to former Tory MP Louise Mensch.

The former chick-lit author has been busy denying reports she quit her Corby seat due to the threat from Labour after her husband gave an interview to the Sunday Times suggesting she wold get "killed" by the opposition in the 2015 general election.

"Shut up Menschkin," Mitchell tweeted today.

"A good wife doesn’t disagree with her master in public and a good little girl doesn't lie about why she quit politics."

Mensch, who has previously brought attention to abuse which comes her way online, quickly retaliated.

"Lovely to see @AvMitchell2010 speaking for the Labour party on feminism. 'her master'? 'a good wife doesn't disagree with her master'? Nice," she wrote.

"Can I have a repudiation from Ed Miliband please? My husband is my partner. And it's 2012. #feminism."

It is probable that Mitchell was joking in the tweet, although he does have a reputation for regrettable interventions.

He recently referred to new MPs as "mundane hacks who struggle to do a job that's too big for them".