There’s no denying that misogyny has been a hot topic in Westminster in recent months.

Politicians have not been shy when it comes to weighing in on moments like Louis Theroux’s recent documentary, Inside The Manosphere, and last year’s Netflix drama Adolescence.

Both cultural moments raised serious questions about the way men are being influenced in the modern era and how women are protected.

But the subject has hit close to home for several in Downing Street, too.

Keir Starmer has been accused of setting up a “boys’ club” at the top of government while female cabinet ministers claim unnamed officials have been issuing “sexist briefings” against them.

The topic then came to a head earlier this year when the depth of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was revealed by the US Department of Justice.

The former Labour peer was chosen by prime minister to be the ambassador to the US last year. Though he was fired after a handful of months in the job, questions remain over just why he got the plum role in the first place.

How was his association with Epstein – elements of which had been reported on by the time of his appointment – overlooked by senior figures in the government?

Labour vowed to champion equality when in opposition, celebrated when a record number of female MPs were elected in 2024, and rolled out a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy earlier this year.

But, as politicians face accusations of not reflecting these attitudes in their everyday lives, there are fears this is akin to paying lip service to a wider issue – especially with women in Westminster often feeling the direct effects of sexism themselves.

During Thursday’s episode of Commons People with guest Millie Cooke – The Independent’s political correspondent – we look at how Westminster deals with misogyny – and what else can be done to improve it.

Listen to find out more below…

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.