The Shadow Chancellor slapped down the claim that criticism directed at Rachel Reeves amounted to sexism.

Since she started in her role as Chancellor, Ms Reeves has been nicknamed “Rachel from accounts” and, last week, she said she was “sick of people mansplaining how to be Chancellor”.

Speaking to Camilla Tominey who asked if a “bloke would do a better job”, Sir Mel said: “I am absolutely, absolutely solid on the fact that it could be a man or a woman.

“It makes no difference. This isn’t a question of gender, it’s a question of economic competence.

“I think all this mansplaining business is a bit of chaff. It’s a bit of a distraction to try and get away from the basic facts.”