Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly supported Chancellor Rachel Reeves' assertion that she faces disproportionate criticism and abuse because she is a woman in politics.
Starmer's Strong Support for Female Colleagues
The Labour leader told reporters he is "acutely aware" that women in public roles "get much more abuse and criticism than men" across various sectors, including politics. His comments come after Ms Reeves revealed her frustration with critics "mansplaining" how to be Chancellor to her in an interview with The Times Magazine published this week.
Sir Keir explicitly endorsed his Chancellor's position, stating: "I strongly believe that women in public life get much more criticism and abuse than men". He particularly highlighted the media's role in this dynamic, though he stopped short of completing his thought about press responsibility.
Historic Appointment Faces Backlash
The Prime Minister pointed to the significant milestone of Ms Reeves becoming the first woman to hold the office of Chancellor in its more than 800-year history. "I'm really proud that we've got a female Chancellor who's doing a really good job," Sir Keir affirmed.
Ms Reeves had expressed her exhaustion with the constant targeting, telling The Times Magazine: "I'm sick of people mansplaining how to be Chancellor to me". She specifically called out criticism from "boys who now write newspaper columns" and acknowledged having "a target on me" in media coverage.
Rayner's Potential Government Return
In the same briefing, Sir Keir addressed the future of former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who resigned in September after being found to have breached the Ministerial Code over a tax underpayment related to a property purchase.
When asked about a potential comeback for Ms Rayner, the Prime Minister responded unequivocally: "Yes, absolutely. I've always said I want Angela back". He revealed that the pair still speak regularly and described their ongoing friendship, saying: "I'm friends with Angie and I like Angie a lot and we talk a lot. We still do".
The Prime Minister's strong backing comes at a crucial time for the government, with Ms Reeves preparing her Budget amid what she describes as exhausting and gender-biased criticism from certain quarters.
