In a move that has ignited debate, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has recently removed a portrait of Margaret Thatcher from 10 Downing Street. The decision, made shortly after Starmer assumed office, was disclosed by his biographer, Tom Baldwin, during a literary event in Glasgow.
The portrait in question, commissioned by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009, was painted by renowned artist Richard Stone. It was originally intended for permanent display in the official residence of the British Prime Minister. Thatcher, who served as the UK's first female Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, was present at its unveiling 15 years ago.
According to Baldwin, Starmer found the artwork "unsettling" and decided to have it removed from what was unofficially known as the Thatcher Room. The biographer recounted a conversation with Starmer in which the Prime Minister nodded affirmatively when asked if he would "get rid of it."
This decision has not been without controversy. Several Conservative politicians have expressed their disapproval, characterizing the move as disrespectful and petty. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg criticized it as "unbecoming of a Prime Minister who has a role representing the nation, not just his political faction."
Thatcher, known as the "Iron Lady" for her uncompromising leadership style, implemented policies focusing on deregulation and privatization during her tenure. She won three consecutive general elections and was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century. Her legacy remains a subject of debate, with both fervent supporters and critics.
The incident has drawn comparisons to former US President Barack Obama's removal of a Winston Churchill bust from the Oval Office early in his presidency. Obama defended his decision by noting that another depiction of the wartime leader remained elsewhere in the White House.
Interestingly, Starmer had previously praised Thatcher for effecting "meaningful change" in Britain and "setting loose our natural entrepreneurialism." This earlier stance has led to confusion about his current position and motivations for removing the portrait.
"It's disgraceful that Keir Starmer would remove a picture of Britain's first female Prime Minister. Regardless of your opinions on Margaret Thatcher, she paved the way for women in politics and tackled sexist stereotypes head on."
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Starmer's relationship with Conservative politicians and supporters of Thatcher's legacy. The removal of the portrait serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Thatcher's policies and the divisive nature of her tenure, even 34 years after she left office.