The Chancellor has begged Labour MPs to get behind her plans, including scrapping the two-child benefit cap, and accused critics of targeting her because she is a woman
Rachel Reeves has blamed sexism for the stick she is getting over the Budget.
The Chancellor has begged Labour MPs to get behind her plans, including scrapping the two-child benefit cap, and accused critics of targeting her because she is a woman.
She said: “I don’t think even I had recognised the misogyny that still exists in public life. I’ll show the media, I’ll show the Tories, I’ll not let them beat me.”
The claims add to an already long list of factors she has blamed for poor public finances – including Brexit, Tory austerity and Donald Trump.
Ms Reeves faces a challenging Budget on Wednesday (November 26) as she attempts to fill an estimated £20 billion black hole in public finances, with tax hikes expected to be introduced.
She told MPs at a gathering of the Parliamentary Labour Party that politics is a “team sport”. Urging them to back the entire Budget, the Chancellor described it as a “package” not a “pick ‘n’ mix”.
She also told them that “united parties win elections” and hit out at “armchair” critics.
Health minister Karin Smith said: “I’m often in a situation where I’m the only woman in the room. That happens to Rachel a lot in her world.
“I think it is inspirational to lots of young women, particularly she’s the first Chancellor, woman Chancellor in 300 years, something she’s very proud of, and rightly so.
“With that comes a lot of criticism. Every single Chancellor gets criticism.
“I think there is a difference for a woman Chancellor as well, absolutely, for all women politicians, that’s not new or unusual.
“But you know, those of us who are in senior positions in politics, we’ve got to crack on with it.
“We’re focused on it: it is one of those things that you have to deal with.
“I hope it changes – and our job is to inspire another generation, which I know Rachel does do, to get involved and change that situation.”
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