Andy Burnham has been forced to shut down rumours that he wears mascara and eyeliner, but Japan's first female prime minister is more than happy to turn cosmetics into a national debate.

Sanae Takaichi, 65, has sparked an online furore by saying she works longer hours than her male predecessors because she does housework and has to put on makeup.

Ms Takaichi said: 'In the morning, I take a bath, fix breakfast and do the dishes, then apply makeup. 

'Doing these things, I feel I'm spending three or four more hours than male prime ministers.' 

She said it took her aides a while to appreciate she needed extra time to fix her makeup before going on camera. 

Her comments were seen as promoting old-fashioned roles and excessive working hours that have long been considered problems in Japan.

In a country where gender roles remain rigid and long hours at work are the norm for men, working women remain overwhelmingly in charge of domestic duties and child care. 

Ms Takaichi has no biological children but adopted her husband's three children from his previous marriage.

Comments on social media noted that many working women faced heavier demands than the PM. One said: 'As long as she gets her job done, it's fine if she needs more time than men... but seeking forgiveness because she needs time to put on makeup... is unacceptable.'