Brexit Minister David Davis said he wouldn’t kiss Diane Abbot because ‘I am not blind’, in a damaging text message. He joked that he hugged her and [it] would make a good Specsavers ad [Image: Mark Thomas/Rex/Shutterstock].

Not only does it seem that David Davis tried to give Diane Abbott an unwanted kiss (he denies it), but now it has emerged that he sent sexist and derogatory texts about her, days later.

The latest development was reported in the Mail, so you’ll have to form your own judgement as to whether it is true or not.

The wave of outrage against this man’s behaviour is growing – but will Downing Street try to ride it out? If so, that would indicate tacit support for the sexism and misogynism the episode embodies.

One is reminded of the month-long ‘Plebgate’ debacle before Andrew Mitchell got his marching orders from David Cameron for insulting a policeman.

Will Theresa May at least have the good sense to launch an investigation now?

The texts Mr Davis allegedly sent on Friday.

Mr Davis is said to have made a light-hearted attempt to embrace and kiss Ms Abbott in a Commons bar last week after she voted in favour of triggering Article 50 to leave the EU. Ms Abbott responded by telling him bluntly to ‘f*** off!’

Afterwards, a Tory politician friend texted him: ‘Cannot believe you made an attempt to give DA [Diane Abbott] a hug!’ Davis replied: ‘Didn’t, but the myth grows.

I whispered in her ear ‘Thanks for your vote’ hence the ‘F off’. I am not blind.’ Davis’ friend responded: ‘Ha! Ha! Thank god you aren’t blind. Great week for you and Brexit!’

Davis: ‘Actually it would make a good Optical Express advert… Yes, a reasonable success.’

His last text appears to be a reference not to Optical Express but another opticians, Specsavers, whose TV adverts feature hilarious mix-ups caused by bad eyesight, followed by the slogan: ‘Should’ve gone to Specsavers.’

His line about not being blind seems to be a reference to Miss Abbott’s appearance.

The text messages were sent on Friday afternoon, two days after the final Commons vote on Brexit.

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