Rachel Reeves unveils new art by women at No 11

Rachel Reeves, the first female chancellor, announced her intention to replace all paintings in the state room at No 11 Downing Street with artworks created by or depicting women. This decision was revealed during a reception for female business leaders, where she emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of women throughout history. The current artworks predominantly feature men, and the change aims to celebrate women's achievements and promote gender equality. In addition to the new artworks, a statue of Millicent Fawcett, a prominent figure in the women's rights movement, will be installed in the room. Reeves expressed her commitment to addressing the gender pay gap, which remains at 14% despite legislation introduced 54 years ago by Barbara Castle. She highlighted the need for affordable and flexible childcare as part of her strategy to close this gap. Reeves is collaborating with the curator of the government art collection to select appropriate pieces for display, ensuring that the new artworks reflect a feminist perspective. This initiative aligns with her broader goals of promoting women's rights and representation in leadership roles. The grand state room, known for its red silk wallpaper and large windows overlooking the garden, serves as a venue for formal receptions. The changes in artwork and the introduction of a statue signify a shift towards greater recognition of women's contributions in a historically male-dominated space.