A Conservative MP who faced heavy criticism after claiming that the justice system was skewed to discriminate against men has been elected on to a parliamentary committee that scrutinises issues linked to women’s rights and equality.

Philip Davies, whose claim that “feminist zealots really do want women to have their cake and eat it” was exposed by the Guardian in August, was elected unopposed to fill a Tory place in the grouping.

The decision led to an outcry on Twitter with Sophie Walker, the leader of the Women’s Equality party, one of the first to respond:

I hope Philip Davies plans on bringing feminist cake and eating it. WE are watching. https://t.co/pIKSZdFdiA — SophieWalker (@SophieRunning) December 13, 2016

Labour’s outspoken MP renowned for her feminist views, Jess Phillips said: “I’ll not be standing in the way of it. I have every faith that the intelligence and skills of those on the committee will mean he will have little effect, much like in the rest of his career.”

The Labour Party said that select committees were matters for MPs, while Labour MP, Gavin Shuker, announced the news and then added: “Just let that sink in for a minute.”

Others called it a “sick joke” or “another finger up to the people of the country”.

One tweeter, known as the secret barrister, pointed out that Davies was a man whose priority was to send more women to prison. Others, who also consider themselves anti-feminist, cheered the outcome.

The MP for Shipley will join a committee chaired by the former women’s minister and campaigner on equality issues, Maria Miller.

The committee is investigating inequalities faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, ensuring strong equalities after Brexit, disability, women in the House of Commons and employment opportunities for Muslims.