Carol Vorderman has branded failed London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey “sexist” for saying she is not a “serious political commentator” due to pictures she posts on social media.
The television presenter posted on X that Lord Bailey – who was made a Conservative peer by Boris Johnson – was a “misogynist” and branded him #SexistShaun.
She shared a clip from GB News broadcast last week, in which Lord Bailey was speaking about her.
Shaun Bailey unsuccessfully stood to be London mayor
Lord Bailey said: “Look, on one hand she’s got all that stuff, you know, she’s a serious political commentator, and then if you look at her Instagram it’s all pictures of her bum and her boobs. So what is it here? She can’t be both.”
Ms Vorderman has been outspoken about her opposition to the current government on social media, and chose to continue using the platforms over hosting her BBC radio show.
Lord Bailey’s political career has included a number of failed attempts to get elected to parliament. He also worked for the government under David Cameron as an adviser.
In 2015, he was elected to the London Assembly, and in 2019 he was selected to be the Tory‘s candidate to run against Sadiq Khan in the next mayoral election in the capital.
When the election eventually happened in 2021, he lost to the incumbent.
He was added to the House of Lords in 2023.
Read more:
What 2024 could have in store for politics
2023’s unexpected political moments
Responding to Lord Bailey on X, Ms Vorderman – most famous for her time as a presenter on Countdown – said: “Tory Shaun Bailey is a MISOGYNIST #SexistShaun – the Jingle & Mingle Partygate apologist”.
She added: “Shaun thinks that women who wear lycra in the gym shouldn’t be allowed a political opinion…. or I assume a vote!
“Failed mayoral candidate #SexistShaun was made a lord last year. Yet another Tory honour for dishonour.”
In 2023, Lord Bailey apologised “unreservedly” after a video of his staff during lockdown emerged.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Shaun Bailey ‘sorry’ for partygate video
During Lord Bailey’s mayoral campaign, they were seen to be dancing with each other – and photos showed a lack of social distancing.
The gathering – which took place on 14 December 2020 when London was in Tier 2 of COVID lockdown – was attended by Lord Bailey.
Ms Vorderman posted several more times about Lord Bailey on X, with the hashtag “SexistShaun” trending on the social media platform.
One of those who voiced support for Ms Vorderman on X was the Labour MP Carolyn Harris.
She said: “What is it with Tory Men having a go at vodders. They really must feel threatened to stoop this low.
“All power to Carol and the girls.”
Lord Bailey and the Conservative Party have been approached for comment.