MP Sam Uffindell in sexism frenzy after saying he goes to the supermarket once a month ‘to give his wife a break’ from shopping
A New Zealand MP has been accused of sexism after saying he goes to the supermarket once a month to buy groceries to ‘give his wife a break’.
Sam Uffindell, the national MP for Tauranga, was speaking about his shopping habits in parliament when he made the comments.
The father-of-three said doing the family shop was “not only … an excellent way to get some publicity with a National Party jacket on my back, looking like the common man … it gives my wife a pause, and I get to understand what the current prices are’, Stuff reported.
Sam Uffindell, his wife Julia and children Lilly, Zipporah and Teddy
Mr Uffindell has been criticized online by people who suggested it was normally a woman’s job to run errands.
“Maybe he can also cook to give her a longer break,” one person wrote on Twitter.
“I bet he cleans the toilet once a year, too.”
National Party leader Christopher Luxon said the division of labor within Mr Uffindell’s marriage was a matter between him and his wife, Julia.
Mr Uffindell, the national MP for Tauranga, spoke about his shopping habits in parliament when he made the remarks.
Mr Uffindell said: ‘The nature and demands of my job are such that I am often away from home and my family, which means my wife carries the load at home – something for which I am very grateful.
“When I get a chance, I try to pick up the household chores my wife normally does, and in doing so I’ve been shocked lately by how much the cost of basic household items has gone up.”
The Uffindells have two daughters, Lilly and Zipporah, and a son, Teddy.