UK MP 'crossing legs to distract' story: PM Boris Johnson, Angela Rayner speak on phone amid sexism row

After a sexist news story on UK Parliamentarian Angela Rayner caused a huge controversy, Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke on the issue.

The objectionable story had claimed that Rayner crosses and uncrosses her legs to distract PM Johnson during Parliament proceedings. The story by media outlet The Mail On Sunday had quoted an anonymous leader of the ruling Conservative party to make the claim.

Speaking to reporters, PM Johnson condemned the story, and also warned of "terrors of the earth" for the person who made the misogynist allegation against Angela Rayner.

Johnson said, "It's hard to say on the basis of that particular story. But I have to say - I thought it was most appalling load of sexist, misogynist tripe. I immediately got in touch with Angela, and we had a very friendly exchange. If we ever find who was responsible... Well, I don't know what we'll do with him, but there will be the terrors of the earth. But it's totally intolerable, that kind of thing."

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After the story was published, Angela Rayner, who is Deputy Leader of the Opposition Labour party, had accused Boris Johnson's "cheerleaders" of spreading "desperate, perverted smears in their doomed attempts to save his skin".

Rayner received widespread support after the story, with calls for tackling sexism and misogyny in UK's political circles and media.