Is A Shoulder Really So Scandalous?

After MP Tracy Brabin was attacked for her choice of clothing, women everywhere are growing fed up with being judged for what they wear

- Anna Matherson, Gillian Harvey

Social media exploded recently when commentators castigated MP Tracy Brabin, 58, for exposing what they believed to be an improper amount of flesh in the House of Commons. Some claimed the MP should be removed for dressing so provocatively, others posted insults, and Piers Morgan branded the outfit a ‘tad inappropriate’.

And what was the outrageous body part she was flashing? Her shoulder.

Reading the comments, you’d be forgiven for thinking the politician swanned into work in hot pants but, in reality, Tracy was wearing a long black dress with a slight slip off the shoulder.

Tracy – former Corrie actress turned Labour MP for Batley and Spen – hit back with a very acerbic tweet. ‘Who knew people could get so emotional over a shoulder…’ she wrote.

It turned out Tracy had been meeting music executives before a last-minute decision to address Parliament about press freedoms. A broken ankle required she lean into the microphone, causing her dress to slip further. Yet why did a well-respected MP need to defend herself over showing her shoulder? Men, meanwhile, seem immune to criticism over their sartorial choices.