Theresa May has responded to criticism that she spent nearly £1,000 on a pair of leather trousers by saying she wants to build “a country that works for everyone”.

Ms May was put on the defensive over the item of clothing by fellow Conservative MP Nicky Morgan, who claimed that expensive clothing had been “noted and discussed” in Tory circles.

When questioned about Ms Morgan’s comments on a trip to Bahrain, the Prime Minister used a familiar soundbite about the promises she made when taking office.

“I stood on the steps of Downing Street and said what I did about the importance of a country that works for everyone because that is what I have heard from people as I have gone around the country, as I have met people in a whole variety of circumstances,” she said.

“I believe it is important for politicians to get out and about and that’s exactly what I continue to do. It is important that we have a country that works for everyone.”

Ms May had given an interview to The Sunday Times where she revealed that that £995 trousers had been designed by Amanda Wakeley.

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After learning of the cost of the trousers, Ms Morgan told The Times: “My barometer is always, ‘How am I going to explain this in Loughborough market?’”

“I don’t have leather trousers. I don’t think I’ve ever spent that much on anything apart from my wedding dress.”