Starmer Criticized for ‘Petty’ Decision to Remove Thatcher Portrait from No. 10
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces intense criticism from Conservative MPs and political figures for his decision to remove a portrait of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from 10 Downing Street. This move came just two months after Starmer had taken residence at the official prime minister’s residence. The painting, commissioned by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009 and valued at £100,000, was reportedly taken down because Starmer found it “unsettling.”
The removal of Thatcher’s portrait has sparked outrage among Conservative members of Parliament, who accuse Starmer of being petty and vindictive. Many call for the portrait restored to its original place in Downing Street. The controversy is shocking given that Starmer had previously admired Thatcher, describing her as a leader who brought “meaningful change” to British politics.
The portrait was initially funded by an anonymous donor and commissioned after Thatcher visited Brown at Number 10 during his time in office. Tom Baldwin, a senior adviser to former Labour leader Ed Miliband and the author of a biography on Starmer, revealed the story of the painting’s removal at a Glasgow book festival. Baldwin said Starmer found the painting uncomfortable and confirmed its removal with a simple nod.
Although Downing Street declined to comment on the matter, the decision has sparked a heated debate. Former Northern Ireland First Minister Baroness Arlene Foster criticized Starmer on social media, accusing him of trying to erase Thatcher’s legacy. She argued that removing the portrait undermined the significance of Britain’s first female prime minister.
Former Conservative Minister Esther McVey echoed similar views, accusing Starmer of being “petty-minded” and insecure about his ability to live up to Thatcher’s political legacy. McVey suggested that Thatcher’s leadership and stature were complex for Starmer to match. Other senior Conservative figures, including candidates for the Scottish Conservative Party leadership, also joined in the criticism. One such candidate, Russell Findlay, condemned Starmer’s actions, labeling them as a small-minded attack on a towering historical figure.
The portrait’s removal has stirred significant political tensions, sparking a broader conversation about Thatcher’s legacy and how she is remembered in modern British politics. While some believe that Starmer’s decision represents an effort to distance himself from Thatcher’s legacy, others see it reflecting Labour’s current position on historic political figures like Thatcher.
The portrait had been hanging in a study within Downing Street, which was unofficially dubbed the “Thatcher Room.” Baldwin recalled a conversation with Starmer, in which the prime minister acknowledged that the portrait seemed to loom over those present. When Baldwin asked if Starmer would have the painting removed, Starmer confirmed the decision with a nod, sealing the portrait’s fate.
Despite the growing backlash, Starmer has remained silent on the issue. As political opposition mounts, his choice to remove the portrait has become a topic of significant public interest, prompting questions about his leadership approach and how he handles the legacies of previous prime ministers. The debate also highlights broader issues concerning how political leaders address historical figures who have shaped the nation’s past.
Whether the portrait will be reinstated in its original location or remain absent from Downing Street remains unclear. For now, the situation underscores the continuing tension between Starmer’s leadership and the lasting impact of Margaret Thatcher, whose influence continues to shape British political discourse.
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