She’s set to become the United Kingdom’s next prime minister, but Theresa May isn’t just being judged for her political ambition — she’s being graded on her fashion taste as well.
The 59-year-old has more than 30 years’ experience in politics and has served in a slew of positions, but since it became likely she’ll become Britain’s next leader, there’s been an increasing focus in the media on her clothes rather than her abilities.
The day after the Prime Minister David Cameron announced May would take over his position, UK newspaper The Sun ran a front page focusing heavily on her leopard-print kitten heels, with the headline “Heel, boys” — and many weren’t impressed.
One user reacted: “The Sun’s front page is pretty sexist. Why must a woman’s clothes and shoes be the focus?”
Many argued men rarely have their fashion choices showcased in the media, with one user tweeting, “I don’t recall any front page spread about Cameron’s fashionable footwear.”
The Mirror has also run similar fashion-focused profiles — from “Theresa May passion for fashion will bring a touch of glamor to politics” to “Theresa May: The vicar’s daughter in kitten heels who will be our new Prime Minister.”
You could almost be forgiven in thinking we’ve time-traveled back to the 1950s, with profiles looking at her household life — from being a vicar’s daughter to someone who enjoys cooking and drinking Earl Grey tea.
According to Google Trends, in the last seven days, there’s also been a spike in searches such as: “Theresa May shoes” and “Theresa May fashion.” Both of which have increased by more than 100%.
It’s not the first time some have pointed to sexism in politics though.
The debate over last month’s European Union referendum was male-dominated, with women making up 18% of all those quoted in the media during the campaign, according to a Loughborough University analysis.
And while women became eligible in the UK to be elected as members of Parliament back in 1918, representation still remains low — with women making up 29% of the lawmakers.
May is expected to become Britain’s prime minister on Wednesday evening.
And while her fashion choices will probably continue to be discussed, there is little doubt within the Conservative Party on her political abilities.
“She is strong, she is competent, she’s more than able to provide the leadership the country is going to need in the years ahead, and she will have my full support,” Cameron said.