Tea strain: MPs’ stab at being funny gets steeped in ridicule

Twitter complaints of sexism and dated views pour in after 1922 Committee tries jest with teapot amid Tory leadership contest

Attempts to inject some levity into the Conservative leadership contest on social media fell flat on Wednesday when a photograph tweeted of the 1922 Committee led to criticism that it was sexist and outdated.

With the announcement of the two remaining candidates for the UK prime minister role about to be announced (at 4pm this Wednesday) or at tea time" as it was described, the photograph showed members of the committee representing Tory backbenchers posing with teacups in hand and a teapot.