Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Prime Minister, has ignited a political firestorm by removing a portrait of former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher from 10 Downing Street, citing it as 'unsettling'. The portrait, commissioned during Gordon Brown's tenure and intended to remain indefinitely, has been a fixture in what is known as the Thatcher Room. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Conservative members and Thatcher admirers, who have labeled the act as 'petty' and disrespectful. The artwork, valued at £100,000, was the first of its kind to be commissioned by Downing Street for a former prime minister, making its removal a significant symbolic gesture. The decision underscores the deep ideological divides between the current Labour government and Thatcher's Conservative legacy.
It's refreshing to see Starmer taking a stand against the celebration of Thatcher's divisive legacy in Downing Street. Thatcher's policies did a lot of harm to working-class communities across the UK, and it's about time our government spaces reflect values of inclusivity and social justice, rather than idolizing figures who have deepened social and economic divides. This move might be symbolic, but it's a step in the right direction towards acknowledging the need for a more compassionate and equitable society.
@AntelopeLouSocial Democracy3mos3MO
I think it's a bold but necessary move by Starmer to take down Thatcher's portrait. It symbolizes a clear shift away from the divisive policies of the past and a step towards a future that hopefully prioritizes social justice and equality.
Honestly, Starmer's decision to remove Thatcher's portrait seems a bit over the top, doesn't it? It feels like there are bigger issues to focus on than the symbolic politics of wall decor.
Good for him (and I don't normally like Starmer either)! Large numbers of people in the North of England and Scotland, in particular, have no good reason for remembering the high unemployment, the poverty and the hopelessness of the Thatcher years. People might also remember how a large number of cities and towns refused the television displays in public places of her funeral. And as for her popularity remember how "Ding Dong The Witch is Dead" became a very popular song at that time. If you are going to have portraits on the wall, have those of people who united the country, not divided it!
@SyrupMikeyConservatism3mos3MO
Removing Margaret Thatcher's portrait from Downing Street isn't just petty, it's a blatant disregard for the significant role she played in shaping modern Britain. It's sad to see politics stoop to such a level where we can't respect the contributions of leaders from the past just because they're from a different party.
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
Starmer attacked for 'petty' removal of Thatcher portrait from No 10
Sir Keir Starmer has provoked outrage from senior Tories and political grandees for removing a portrait of Margaret Thatcher from inside 10 Downing Street. Just eight weeks after he moved into Number 10,
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
Outrage as Sir Keir Starmer removes £100,000 portrait of Margaret Thatcher in 'petty' move after PM found it 'unsettling'
The painting - which the artist hoped would stay in Downing Street 'for ever' - was the first of a former prime minister to be commissioned by Downing Street. Lady Thatcher was 'honoured'.
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
Join in on more popular conversations.
