Portrait Politics: Outrage as Starmer Removes Thatcher’s Image from Downing Street

Starmer criticized for 'trivial' decision to remove Thatcher's picture from Downing Street

Allegations that a portrait was relocated within the prime minister's official residence have sparked anger among Conservative MPs.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Friday, August 30, 2024, 06:

Sir Keir Starmer has sparked significant backlash from prominent Conservatives and esteemed political figures by taking down a portrait of Margaret Thatcher at 10 Downing Street.

Only two months into his tenure at Number 10, claims have surfaced from his biographer suggesting he was perturbed by a £100,000 artwork commissioned by the previous Labour leader Gordon Brown.

However, his decision to take down the portrait has been criticized as "spiteful" and "trivial" by Conservative MPs, leading to demands for the prime minister to reinstate it at Downing Street.

Sir Keir's apparent slight towards Lady Thatcher, who served as prime minister for 11 years from 1979 to 1990, is particularly striking given that just months prior to the general election, he had praised her extensively in a newspaper article.

In remarks that were vehemently criticized by trade union heads and progressive MPs from the Labour Party, Sir Keir commended her for effecting "significant transformations" in the UK's political landscape.

In a piece for The Sunday Telegraph last December, he asserted that Margaret Thatcher aimed to awaken Britain from its lethargy by unleashing the country’s inherent entrepreneurial spirit.

The disclosure of Sir Keir's decision to take down the artwork was made by Tom Baldwin, who previously served as a top adviser to Ed Miliband during his tenure as the leader of the Labour Party and has penned a highly regarded and perceptive biography of Sir Keir.

Mr. Brown ordered the painting following a visit from Lady Thatcher to Number 10 during his tenure as prime minister.

An anonymous donor contributed £100,000 to fund it, and it was revealed in 2009.

During a literary event in Glasgow, Mr. Baldwin mentioned that Sir Keir informed him the painting was displayed in a room at Downing Street, informally known as the "Thatcher Room."

"We do not provide remarks on internal matters."

In a discussion initially covered by Glasgow’s Herald newspaper, Mr. Baldwin mentioned that Sir Keir described the study as a "location where we can have a private conversation."

He shared with his listeners, saying, "We were sitting there, and I said, 'It's somewhat disconcerting having her look down at you like that, isn't it?'"

He mentioned that the Prime Minister gave a brief reply, simply stating, "Yeah."

Mr. Baldwin mentioned that he inquired whether Sir Keir would remove the portrait, to which Starmer responded with a nod. Baldwin then noted, "And he has."

When Sky News inquired about Mr. Baldwin's assertions regarding the portrait being taken down, a spokesperson from Downing Street responded, "We do not discuss the interior details of the residence."

The extensive coverage of the removal of the painting has swiftly ignited a heated controversy, with leading members of the opposition vocally criticizing the prime minister.

Heading the charge, ex-Northern Ireland first minister Baroness Arlene Foster posted on X: "I find it 'disturbing' that the PM would oust the first female PM from No 10.

"He cannot dismiss her importance to our country – she's the most consequential Prime Minister since Churchill. Labour's initial response seems spiteful and trivial."

"Trivial method"

In a statement to the Daily Express, ex-Conservative minister Esther McVey criticized Keir Starmer, saying, "What a pathetic, petty-minded little man he is – taking down a portrait of the first female prime minister and one of the longest-serving leaders.

"Perhaps he prefers not to be compared to a formidable politician he could never match."

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In Scotland, the trio vying for the head of the Scottish Conservative Party each criticized Mr. Baldwin's assertions.

Russell Findlay stated: "Gordon Brown ordered this portrait following his description of the first female prime minister as 'a conviction politician who recognized the necessity for transformation'."

"I align with Gordon Brown’s sensible stance of handling his political adversaries with fairness and dignity… In contrast, Keir Starmer appears to adopt a notably smaller-minded strategy."

Further reading: Esther McVey's tweet on smoking ban called 'disgusting'—Seniors must answer 243 questions to receive winter fuel assistance.

Leadership contender Meghan Gallacher expressed outrage, stating, "It's appalling that Keir Starmer would take down a portrait of Britain's inaugural female prime minister…

No matter what you think about Margaret Thatcher, she broke barriers for female political leaders and directly confronted gender biases.

"She serves as a role model for numerous individuals and is a pivotal character in British political life. It's only right that she receives acknowledgment for her numerous contributions… Her contributions should be celebrated – the portrait ought to be restored."

'Thatcher harshly treated miners'

In his December piece for the Sunday Telegraph, Sir Keir's commendation of Lady Thatcher sparked intense backlash from his detractors within the more left-leaning factions of the Labour Party.

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Fire Brigades Union leader Matt Wrack stated, "Her administration intentionally caused widespread joblessness and impoverishment in communities via a spiteful program of mine shutdowns and the severe reduction of the manufacturing sector.

"Today, numerous workers and various areas across Britain continue to grapple with the severe impacts of Thatcher-era policies."

Former NUM president and prominent supporter of Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP Ian Lavery stated, "My constituents completely disagree with this opinion. Thatcher was harsh and oppressive towards the miners and their families."

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