Labour MP Chuka Umunna has called for Brexit Secretary David Davis to apologise for a disparaging remark about Diane Abbott's appearance.
Mr Davis had a text exchange with a Conservative colleague in which he appeared to say he would not attempt to hug Ms Abbott because he is "not blind".
Speaking on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday show, Mr Umunna said the comment was "sexist", "misogynistic" and "appalling".
The former shadow business secretary said: "This type of behaviour has absolutely no place in the Conservative Party or British politics full stop.
"David Davis - he is a member of the Cabinet. What does it say about that party to the country, to your viewers, if he's coming out with this sort of thing about a very respected, long-serving member of the House of Commons?"
The text exchange followed reports that Mr Davis and Ms Abbott had shared a heated exchange shortly after MPs voted overwhelmingly to trigger Article 50.
The shadow home secretary reportedly told Mr Davis to "f*** off" after he seemed to lean in and try to embrace her.
According to the texts, seen by the Mail On Sunday, a colleague of Mr Davis wrote: "Cannot believe you made an attempt to give DA (Diane Abbott) a hug!"
The Cabinet minister replied: "Didn't but the myth grows. I whispered in her ear 'thanks for your vote' hence the 'F off'. I am not blind."
His colleague wrote back: "Ha! Ha! Thank God you aren't blind. Great week for you and Brexit."
Mr Davis than made an apparent reference to the Specsavers adverts in which people without glasses make embarrassing mistakes.
A spokesman for Mr Davis insisted the Brexit Secretary was joking in the texts, adding: "The Secretary of State is very sorry for any offence caused to Miss Abbott, someone he has known and respected for many years."
Mr Davis has not directly spoken about the incident.
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