Politics LIVE: Rachel Reeves begs Labour MPs for support ahead of crunch Budget | Politics | News

Asked whether there should be more focus on “competence and achievement” rather than “identity politics”, or whether it was true that Ms Reeves had faced misogyny during her time in office, health minister Karyn Smith told Times Radio: “Look, Rachel is very capable of tackling the challenges she faces as the first female Chancellor and she enjoys it.

“I think both things can be true. I definitely think I’m faced with a situation where I’m often the only woman in the room.”

“This happens to Rachel all too often in her world, but all chancellors face a lot of criticism. She’s ready for the challenge, she’s able to face it.”

“I think that’s inspiring for a lot of young women, especially as she’s the first Chancellor, a female Chancellor in 300 years, which is something she’s very proud of, and rightly so. “With that comes a lot of criticism.

“Every single Chancellor receives criticism… I think there is a difference for a female Chancellor and certainly for all female politicians, it is nothing new or unusual.

“But you know, those of us in senior positions in politics have to deal with this issue. That’s what we’re focused on: this is one of the things you have to deal with.”

“I hope it changes – and our job is to inspire another generation, which I know Rachel did, to get involved and change this situation.”