Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested that Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces more abuse because she is a woman. He told reporters he was «acutely aware» that women in public roles «get much more abuse and criticism than men».
The remarks come after Reeves complained about critics «mansplaining» to her and blamed sexism for motivating at least some of the criticism she faces. The Chancellor is the first woman to hold the office in its more than 800-year history.
Starmer said: «I strongly believe that women in public life get much more criticism and abuse than men, and I mean that is in politics, but it's also across a number of other areas.» He added that the media played a role in this dynamic.
«There's abuse and criticism of all politicians, but I'm acutely aware that women get much more abuse and criticism than men do and I think it's about time we acknowledge that,» the Prime Minister said. He emphasized: «I'm really proud that we've got a female Chancellor who's doing a really good job.»
Reeves: "Sick of mansplaining"
Reeves told The Times Magazine this week she was «sick of people mansplaining how to be Chancellor to me». She complained about criticism from «boys who now write newspaper columns».
«I recognise that I've got a target on me. You can see that in the media; they're going for me all the time. It's exhausting,» Reeves said in the interview.
Rayner comeback possible
Starmer said he «absolutely» wanted Angela Rayner back at the top of Government. Rayner resigned as his deputy and housing secretary in September after breaching the Ministerial Code following a tax underpayment on a property purchase.
Asked whether he could envisage a comeback for her, Starmer said: «Yes, absolutely. I've always said I want Angela back.» He added: «Even back in September, at the time, I said she is going to be a big voice in the Labour movement.»
The pair still speak regularly. «I'm friends with Angie and I like Angie a lot and we talk a lot. We still do,» Starmer said.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
