Sexism is rife in politics, says Starmer after Reeves hits out at ‘mansplaining’ ...Middle East

Sir Keir Starmer said sexism is rife in public life with women on the receiving end of “much more abuse and criticism than men” after Rachel Reeves said she is sick of people “mansplaining” to her how to be Chancellor.

Ahead of Wednesday’s critical Budget, Starmer said he is “really proud” to have the first female Chancellor in the role’s 800-year history, adding “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 to acknowledge that.”

“That is in politics but it’s also across a number of other areas. I’d also say the media frankly,” the prime minister told reporters travelling with him to the G-20 summit in Johannesburg.

The Chancellor has pledged to get a grip on the cost of living in her Budget next week.

But ahead of the announcement, in which she is widely expected to raise taxes in an effort to bridge a multibillion-pound gap in her spending plans, Reeves said she is sick of people “mansplaining” how to be Chancellor.

She spoke of the pressure of being the subject of constant political attacks in an interview with The Times on Saturday, adding that it motivated her “a bit” to show she was making the right decisions to those “boys who now write newspaper columns” or describe her as “Rachel from accounts”.

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride described the claim as a “smokescreen”, accusing Reeves of “trying to try and get us off what’s really happening”.

Speaking on Sky News on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Stride said: “This isn’t about gender, this is about mismanagement of the economy.

“What Rachel Reeves can’t step away from is the fact that unemployment is at a five-year-high, spiralling inflation, people feeling worse off, business confidence rock-bottom, anaemic growth. And all of those challenges are down to her choices, I’m afraid.”

Starmer also spoke about his fondness for his former Deputy Labour Leader, Angela Rayner.

Rayner is currently on the backbenches after failing to pay the correct amount of stamp duty on a property sale, but has recently dipped a toe back into public life after a period of silence. Starmer said he would like her to re-enter his Government.

Your next read

Why Motability changes would push up car prices for everyone

This Budget move could put £1,800 in every worker’s pocket, according to economists

U-turns, squabbles and horse trading inside Downing St: How not to plan a Budget

Migrant benefits crackdown set to cut £5bn from universal credit bill

“Do I want Angela back at some stage? Yes, absolutely. I think she’s the best example ever in the United Kingdom of social mobility, going from a pretty challenging childhood to becoming Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She is the story of social mobility above all other stories.

“I’m friends with Angie, and I like Angie a lot, and we talk a lot. We still do. It’s always good to have Angela,” Starmer said.

In an interview earlier this month Rayner declined to rule out running in a future Labour leadership contest, saying she had “not gone away.”

She was reportedly set to enter ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here TV show only to pull out at the last minute after pressure from unnamed Government figures.

Hence then, the article about sexism is rife in politics says starmer after reeves hits out at mansplaining was published today ( Sunday 23/11/2025 - 08:03 PM ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.

Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Sexism is rife in politics, says Starmer after Reeves hits out at ‘mansplaining’ )

Also on site :

• Spain’s FA condemns Islamophobic chants during game with Egypt
• Teenagers wreak havoc in Clapham during Easter holiday ‘link up’
• Walmart's $70 4-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Is 'Powerful,' 'Quiet,' and Perfect for Spring Cleaning