‘Deeply offensive’: Nats leader David Littleproud compares female MP to a dog

Would-be deputy PM David Littleproud has been accused of misogyny after comparing the political pull of a Labor MP Lisa Chesters to that of a chihuahua. SEE THE VIDEO

Australia’s alternate deputy prime minister has compared the political pull of a female Labor MP to that of a chihuahua — in a comment that has sparked accusations of misogyny.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud made the comments while campaigning in the Central Victorian seat of Bendigo, which is currently held by Labor’s Lisa Chesters with a 12 per cent margin.

“Lisa Chesters has about as much pull as a chihuahua. I mean literally, what has she got for the people of Bendigo?” he said on Monday.

Mr Littleproud, when asked on Tuesday about the comments, said there was no malice meant.

“It’s the first I’ve heard that she’s offended, and if she is, I sincerely hope that she takes no offence. There was no malice in it,” he said.

Housing Minister Clare O’Neil on Tuesday said Mr Littleproud’s comments were “deeply offensive”.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud, left, made the comments while campaigning in the Central Victorian seat of Bendigo, which is currently held by Labor’s Lisa Chesters, right. Pictures: News Corp

“The fact that we are in an environment where a leading male politician in our country thinks that it’s appropriate to compare a female MP to a dog, I just think that tells us everything about where the Liberals and the Nationals are trapped,” she said.

“I thought that we would move me on this as a country, but this is a person vying to be Deputy Prime Minister of our nation, and he speaks about a female member of parliament as though she is a dog.

“Now, Lisa Chesters is not just a great member of parliament and a great advocate. She is a friend of ours. We deeply respect her. And I asked David Littleproud to come forward and apologise for his comments.”

Originally published as ‘Deeply offensive’: Nats leader David Littleproud compares female MP to a dog