Sources close to Dominic Raab have spoken out in attempt to explain his controversial wink at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).
During what was an eventful PMQs yesterday – which saw Deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab, and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party at MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Angela Rayner, go head to head in the House of Commons in Boris Johnson’s absence – Raab was caught winking from the dispatch box in what appeared to be Rayner’s direction.
Not long after the wink was captured by television cameras, it was shared to Twitter and the social media platform soon became flooded with accusations of misogyny and calling the Deputy PM out on his “sexism”.
Mr Perkins said: “I will never unsee Dominic Raab’s wink from the despatch box at Angela Rayner. I feel soiled,” and Angela Rayner responded to this statement in a now-viral tweet saying: “Imagine how I feel”.
The controversial wink followed an exchange in which Mr Raab accused Ms Rayner for dodging a question on last week’s national rail strikes, saying that she apparently “flip-flopped” in her position on the RMT Union’s industrial action.
Mr Raab said: “She was asked by the BBC, straight question, she’s usually a straight-shooting politician, ‘do you like the RMT?’ she said ‘I’m going to have to go now, I’ve got a train to catch’.”
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In response to an attack from Ms Rayner over his previous stance on food banks, the Deputy PM said: “If the Labour Party, if she wants to help working people, they should be clear in standing up against these militant, reckless strikes.”
He added: “She talks about working people. Where was she when the comrades were on the picket line last Thursday? Where was she when the Labour frontbench were joining them rather than standing up for the public? She was at the Glyndebourne music festival sipping champagne, listening to opera.
“Champagne socialism is back in the Labour Party.”
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Laughter was then heard throughout the chamber for a number of seconds following this claim, and Mr Raab was seen winking in the direction of Labour’s frontbench.
Angela Rayner during yesterday’s PMQs in the House of Commons / Credit: Parliament TV
“Sexism and classism all in one foul swoop,” one person said of the wink on Twitter.
Another Twitter user labelled the wink as “disgusting sexism”, and someone else asked if Speaker Lindsay Hoyle would “be having words and reminding MPs that such sexism is not allowed in the chamber”.
After continuous calls for Mr Raab to address the controversial situation and explain his actions, the Deputy PM’s team have now spoken out to insist that he was not winking at Angela Rayner and say he was actually winking at shadow Scottish secretary, Ian Murray.
Apparently, according to a source, they claimed that off camera, Mr Murray made a comment that was inaudible to those watching on TV home, in which he “muttered it would be ‘no bad thing’ if Angela Rayner stood for leader of the Labour Party”, ITV News reports.
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Mr Raab’s wink was then allegedly in response to Mr Murray’s remark, but some social media users have questioned this explanation, with one person on Twitter highlighting that: “The comment about her running for leader wasn’t in that clip when he winked, so can’t have been in response to it.”
Ms Rayner has since received praise from supporters for her performance at PMQs yesterday.
Featured Image – Parliament TV
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th June 2022 
