October 30th 2024.
As the Autumn Budget approaches, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been busy preparing for her role. This will be the first budget presented by the Labour party in 14 years, making it a highly anticipated event. However, it seems that Reeves has already made a bold move that has caught the attention of many.
In the photos released of her the night before the budget, people couldn't help but notice the change in the décor at 11 Downing Street. The wall where a photo of former Chancellor Nigel Lawson once hung now has a newly framed photo of one of the founding members of the Communist Party of Great Britain. This has certainly raised some eyebrows and sparked conversations about Reeves' decision.
The photo in question is of Ellen Wilkinson, a remarkable woman who was a strong advocate for women's rights in her time. She was nicknamed the "Fiery Particle" due to her bright red hair and was known for her work as a suffragette before becoming a Labour MP. She also co-founded the British Communist Party and fought for causes such as free meals for children and grants for military veterans. Despite her controversial political views, Wilkinson served in Churchill's wartime cabinet and later as Minister of Education under Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
It's interesting to note that this photo of Wilkinson has replaced one of Lawson, who served as Chancellor under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. The difference between the two is quite noticeable, as seen in a photo of former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt taken at the same location a year ago. It's clear that Reeves has made a deliberate choice in displaying this particular photo in her office.
But who exactly is Ellen Wilkinson and why did Reeves choose her to be displayed in such a prominent place? Before the Labour party won the election, Reeves had named three influential women she looked up to, and Wilkinson was one of them. She also admires Barbara Castle and Harriet Harman, both trailblazing women in British politics. It's clear that Reeves is making a statement by replacing the photo of Lawson with one of Wilkinson, as part of her commitment to promoting women in leadership roles.
This move by Reeves is not without controversy, as seen in the backlash faced by Keir Starmer for removing a portrait of Margaret Thatcher from Downing Street. The portrait, commissioned by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown, depicted the late Iron Lady just after the Falklands War. Some have criticized Starmer for removing it, claiming that it is an attempt to erase history. However, Reeves' decision to replace photos with art created by women is a reflection of her desire for change and representation in government.
In September, Reeves had announced her plans to have every photo in the room where she works either be of a woman or by a woman. She also mentioned her intention to have a statue of Millicent Fawcett, a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement, in the room. This aligns with her belief in promoting and celebrating women's achievements in politics.
It's clear that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is making her mark in the political world with her bold and unapologetic moves. Her decision to replace the photo of former Chancellor Nigel Lawson with that of Ellen Wilkinson has sparked both outcry and support. It's a small yet significant change that represents her commitment to promoting diversity and representation in government. As we eagerly await the Autumn Budget, it's clear that Reeves is ready to take on her role as Chancellor and bring about meaningful change.
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