MP Tom Brake is a modern man, competitively challenged by women in the workplace while juggling his commitment to male grooming products, family life and his constituents.

Writing for the Huffington Post, the Carshalton and Wallington representative tackled the issue of 21st century male gender roles and the challenges men face juggling a career and being supportive at home.

Mr Brake added that during this Parliament more must be done to focus on diversity, as men are still in a transitional period of trying to work out exactly what their role is.

He wrote: “The 21st century man is not chained by the stereotypical boundaries of his gender. He can cry, do yoga instead of weightlifting, and doesn't even have to sport a hairy chest – the envy of any primate.

“He is not embarrassed to tell his partner he loves her or him, morning and night. He is dedicated to his work, but still has time to pack his children a ham and cheese sandwich for school.

“The idea that I should be as good in the kitchen as I am maintaining a relationship with my constituents, while at the same time trying to remain manicured and a devotee to male grooming products, can be rather stressful.

“However, this is a challenge that I, and millions of other men, are enjoying doing battle with.

“In a time where traditional gender roles are becoming more fluid, both men and women are feeling less restricted. I can think of no better time to be a man.”

The article was part of the website’s month-long focus around modern masculinity and the pressures men face around identity.