The head of the Civil Service has been asked how he squares his plans for “inclusiveness” with being a member of the all-male Garrick Club.
Appearing before a select committee, Simon Case told Labour MP Liam Byrne he had joined the club so he could help reform it from within.
That prompted laughter and questions from other members, with Tory MP Sir Robert Buckland revealing that he too was a member.
The Guardian has revealed a list of judges, lawyers, members of the House of Lords and MPs, plus academics, actors, rock stars and senior journalists who are members of the club that does not allow women.