A Tory politician from Havering has been accused of sexism by Carol Vorderman, who called him "pathetic".

Lord Shaun Bailey commented on the TV presenter's social media activity during an appearance on GB News last week.

Lord Bailey said on the show: "On one hand, she's a serious political commentator, and then if you look at her Instagram, it's all pictures of her bum and her boobs.

"What is it?

"She can't be both."

The Tory peer from Harold Hill later described his comments as a "clumsy form of words" during a conversation with the BBC.

Vorderman was not convinced by his explanations.

Romford Recorder: Carol Vorderman also commented on Shaun Bailey's involvement in the Partygate scandal Carol Vorderman also commented on Shaun Bailey's involvement in the Partygate scandal (Image: PA)

She told the BBC: "This is not an apology."

The remarks ignited a public response, with the hashtag '#SexistShaun' trending shortly after GB News aired.

Lord Bailey issued a statement on Thursday (January 4), in which he attempted to clarify his comments.

He said: "In a recent panel discussion, I used a clumsy form of words to describe Carol Vorderman's Instagram posts.

"The point I was trying to make is Carol lives in a world of glitz and celebrity, as her Instagram portrays, but simultaneously demonises and bullies those who hold different political views to her own.

"I strongly support free speech.

"I don't support bullying."

Vorderman denounced Lord Bailey's justification as "pathetic".

She said: "This is not an apology, it's yet another excuse for appalling behaviour, followed by another attack on me."

READ MORE: Celebrities express ‘respect’ for Carol Vorderman as she leaves BBC radio show

The TV presenter added that Lord Bailey didn't apologise for his involvement in the Partygate scandal "until it was discovered by the press".

The Mirror published a photograph that appeared to show him alongside dozens of staff members at a party in December 2020, when he was running for London mayor.

He later apologised and resigned as chair of two London Assembly committees.

In spite of this, the Havering politician is now a member of the House of Lords.

Vorderman added: "Shaun Bailey has dug himself an even bigger hole.

"This isn't about me.

"It's about what some people in power think about women."

Vorderman's supporters include Ava Evans, a reporter who herself was targeted by disparaging remarks from Laurence Fox on GB News.

The incident led to Fox's dismissal and the current suspension of the host Dan Wootton.