Women in politics get much more abuse than men, PM says

The Prime Minister said he “absolutely knows” that women are subject to more criticism and harassment than men in public life and that “it is time for us to acknowledge that”.

Sir Keir Starmer’s comments follow Rachel Reeves told the Times: “I’m tired of people explaining to me how to be chancellor.”

The newspaper said he made this statement “using some force”.

“I have seen off many of these children before and will continue to do so,” said Reeves, who will deliver his second Budget as chancellor on Wednesday.

Asked about his remarks, Sir Keir said he was “really proud” to appoint Britain’s first female chancellor.

“I firmly believe that women are subject to much more criticism and harassment in public life than men,” she said, adding: “It’s in politics, but also in some other areas as well. I can say it openly to the media, too. And I think we need to accept that.”

The Prime Minister also said he would “absolutely” welcome former Deputy Chancellor Angela Rayner back into government at some point.

Rayner, who was housing secretary and Sir Keir’s deputy, resigned in September For not paying enough tax when he bought a flat in Hove, East Sussex.

Referring to her as “Ange” twice, he told reporters: “I’m friends with Ange and I love Ange very much and we talk a lot. We still talk. It’s always nice to have Angela.”

“I always said I wanted Angela back. Even in September I said she would be a big voice in the Labor movement,” he said.

“But would I want Angela to return at some point? Absolutely yes.”

He added: “I think he’s the best example in the UK of social mobility, from a pretty tough childhood to being deputy prime minister of the UK.

“It is the story of social mobility above all others.”

In an interview last weekend, Rayner did not rule out a return to front-line politics. He told the Daily Mirror he was “not going”.