UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves Hits Back at Critics with 'Mansplaining' Remark
Rachel Reeves has fired back at critics who have questioned her ability to lead as the UK's first female chancellor by saying she is "sick of people mansplaining how to be chancellor" to her. The 59-year-old MP, who will deliver her budget next week, made the comments in an interview with The Times, citing the pressure of being a woman in a male-dominated field and facing constant political attacks.
Reeves' comments come as she prepares to unveil a package of tax rises and measures to help with the cost of living. The chancellor has already dropped plans to plug a fiscal hole with a headline rise in income tax, and her budget is expected to include action on energy bills, including extending the freeze on NHS prescription charges for another year.
Despite the criticism, Reeves remains defiant, saying she will not let it "bring me down by undermining my character or my confidence." She has learned from past experiences, however, recognizing that she must take people with her and explain complex policies multiple times to avoid confusion. "You have to take people with you from the start and keep explaining over and over again what you're doing," she said.
The chancellor's frustration with critics also emerged in a report by the FT, which revealed that she had told a business leader: "Talk to me with respect – I'm the chancellor of the exchequer." Reeves has been at the center of media scrutiny since taking office, facing criticism from some who question her policies and leadership style.
Reeves' comments have sparked a wider debate about sexism in politics and the need for greater respect between politicians and their critics. As she prepares to face the challenges of her first budget, it remains to be seen how she will navigate the complex world of politics and deliver on her promises to the public.
Rachel Reeves has fired back at critics who have questioned her ability to lead as the UK's first female chancellor by saying she is "sick of people mansplaining how to be chancellor" to her. The 59-year-old MP, who will deliver her budget next week, made the comments in an interview with The Times, citing the pressure of being a woman in a male-dominated field and facing constant political attacks.
Reeves' comments come as she prepares to unveil a package of tax rises and measures to help with the cost of living. The chancellor has already dropped plans to plug a fiscal hole with a headline rise in income tax, and her budget is expected to include action on energy bills, including extending the freeze on NHS prescription charges for another year.
Despite the criticism, Reeves remains defiant, saying she will not let it "bring me down by undermining my character or my confidence." She has learned from past experiences, however, recognizing that she must take people with her and explain complex policies multiple times to avoid confusion. "You have to take people with you from the start and keep explaining over and over again what you're doing," she said.
The chancellor's frustration with critics also emerged in a report by the FT, which revealed that she had told a business leader: "Talk to me with respect – I'm the chancellor of the exchequer." Reeves has been at the center of media scrutiny since taking office, facing criticism from some who question her policies and leadership style.
Reeves' comments have sparked a wider debate about sexism in politics and the need for greater respect between politicians and their critics. As she prepares to face the challenges of her first budget, it remains to be seen how she will navigate the complex world of politics and deliver on her promises to the public.
. She's clearly been under a ton of pressure since becoming the UK's first female chancellor. I mean, can you imagine being in her shoes? Constantly having to explain complex economic policies to people who probably still think it's 2010 
. And now she's got to deal with guys mansplaining how to be a good leader? That's just peachy 
. I'm sure the criticism will only get worse before it gets better, but Reeves seems like someone who can handle herself. She's already shown that she won't let anyone bring her down, so yeah, I'm not expecting any major changes in her approach anytime soon 
.
. But let's be real, mansplaining is just a fancy word for "you're being a woman in a male-dominated field and people are gonna throw shade at you" 
. The question is, will she actually have the power to implement her policies or will it all be watered down 
?
. Like, shouldn’t we just expect politicians to be able to do their jobs without getting mansplained or told what to do? 
. And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that people are still surprised by a woman in charge 
? Like, come on guys, get over it 
.
. like, we need more women in power and leading roles, and rachel reeves is trying to do just that 
. but it's also super important for her (and other politicians) to be able to take the heat and not let people bring them down by being all critical and dismissive 
. maybe we can find a way to balance respect for each other with constructive criticism? 
. It's like, yeah, being a woman in politics is tough, but does she really need to be told how to do her job? I mean, come on, if people can't respect her intelligence and experience, then maybe they shouldn't be criticizing her policies 
. Like, hello, you're a grown adult with an important job! You don't need to explain everything to everyone 
. And btw, what's with all this mansplaining business? Can't we just have a conversation without one person talking over the other? 
. Can't we just have competent leaders for once? 
. But did you know that 75% of MPs are men? 
And the number one job for a woman in politics is still being a MP, not Chancellor! 
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a UK politician is £40,000. Meanwhile, top hedge fund managers can make up to £50 million in a year... 
The pay gap is like 25-1! 
. im all 4 her btw, she's got guts & we need more women like her making decisions in politics 
. i mean idk what she's done wrong or what everyone expects from her but at the end of the day shes just trying to do her job 
. and yeah its so frustrating when ppl question her ability cuz imo shes got every right to be in that position 
we need more strong female leaders like rachel reeves 
. Reeves has been doing her job for years and has earned the respect of her colleagues, so it's time people started treating her like an equal 
. Rachel Reeves is right to push back against those who are mansplaining how to run the country 
.
. It's all about finding that balance, you know?