Britain “should be embarrassed” that it has never had a female chancellor, the woman lined up to take the role for the first time has said. In an interview with The Independent, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves also insisted that she wants to “smash” glass ceilings and end the gender pay gap.
Unlike other countries, in 800 years the UK has never had a woman serve as chancellor, Ms Reeves said, adding: “Britain should be embarrassed that we have never had a woman in that top finance job here." In a wide-ranging interview, she also said that today's version of the infamous "I'm afraid there is no money" note should consist of "an apology" for making Britons poorer.
And she hit out at the government's changes to pension tax, which she said would benefit only those with pots 10 times larger than the UK average. Outlining an electoral divide between the Conservatives and Labour, she has pledged to reverse what she says is chancellor Jeremy Hunt's "giveaway for the wealthy".
Esta historia es de la edición March 27, 2023 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 27, 2023 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Africa's wildest coast, from the comfort of a cruise ship
Mark Stratton sets sail on a voyage into the unknown and discovers sobering insights into slavery and colonialism
'Thatcher still looms large, we're living in her country'
As his stage adaptation of 'Boys from the Blackstuff' hits the West End, playwright James Graham talks politics, football, Harvey Weinstein and work addiction
Moment that changed my relationship with my father
Like many others, Laura Coffey will spend Father's Day remembering her dad. The author reflects on how grief works, the power of endings, and a memorable day out
'Super Kev', football's nice guy who lived the dream
To many, Kevin Campbell is the answer to a famous football trivia question. To Everton fans, he was simply \"Super Kev\".
Italy display class to win after shock of early goal
The car horns were blaring all afternoon, roaring up and down the highway leading to Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion.
Yamal dazzles as new-look Spain get down to business
A new Spain, in more ways than one. As Lamine Yamal, who was not even a year old when they won Euro 2008, became first the youngest footballer to play in a European Championships and then, before half-time, the youngest to set up a goal in one, Luis de la Fuente’s side made a break with the past.
'Special' Alexander-Arnold remains centre of attention
Gareth Southgate says playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield is an \"opportunity worth grasping\" that could be \"incredibly special\".
Mea culpa: sorry to be going on about ongoing yet again
John Rentoul addresses errors in last week's Independent
A Kate no-show would have fed the hungry rumour mill
The prospect of Trooping the Colour without royalty's star turn felt a bit like Britain's sun-free summer. Flat. But with impeccable timing, accompanied by a photograph of the Princess of Wales in \"the woods\" (she's not out of them yet), Kate rallied for the monarchy's flagship event. Despite her cautious words, the princess clearly felt strong enough to bank on the King’s birthday parade being a “good day” rather than a “bad” one.
Sandcastles, no matter how big, are no match for waves
If Labour wins with a majority bigger than Tony Blair's, Keir Starmer will be hailed as a colossus. He will deserve to be. It doesn't matter how lucky he has been, or how much the Conservative Party appears to be run by secret agents of the opposition, the Labour leader has positioned himself astutely and not messed up.
