In a letter written by the as yet unidentified J. G.Hunter – we don’t know if the writer is male or female – Alison’s choice of outfit is deemed inappropriate, and her ‘prominent cleavage’ accused of distracting male observers from what she was saying.

The letter, sent to Alison via Westminster and dated 10 June 2015, reads:

“I listened to you on the 7-0 p.m, Channel 4 news tonight. However, I couldn’t help wondering why you felt it necessary to demonstrate your cleavage so obviously on T-V. I can only imagine that it was deliberate in order to attract attention to yourself as the Labour spokesperson?

“As a Labour member might I say that your prominent cleavage distracted your male observers from hearing what you were saying. Indeed as an experienced women [sic] politician, I found this strategy – hardly accidental – for someone of your age and experience difficult to comprehend. This is not a complaint however, merely an observation, I’m sure your PR people will have advised you on your attire.”

MP Alison McGovern shares letter complaining about her ‘prominent cleavage’ during TV appearance