In an era where women are working very hard to be seen as equals and doing well to challenge some heavily ingrained historical perceptions, it astonishes me that a female Labour MP would send a bright pink bus to Croydon, especially to talk to us women.

The whole feel of this is patronising and gives the impression that a woman’s role in politics is separate to a man’s one, and needs to be presented in a Barbie-pink bus for us women to know it applies to us.

Men’s role in the running of the country has not been separated in this way.

I am yet to see a male equivalent bus touring the country.

The slogan on the side of the bus is Woman to Woman, heavily implying that a woman’s view on politics is best discussed with other women.

Imagine applying this tagline and principle to other demographics – would we tolerate that?

Why not involve men in the conversation as well?

Labour could be doing wonderful work for women, instead they have launched a patronising Barbie bus. A real shame.

AMY POLLARD
By email