Rachel Reeves has opened up for the first time about the emotional moment that left her in tears in the House of Commons earlier this year — and she now admits she wishes she hadn’t gone to Parliament that day.
The Chancellor became the centre of intense speculation in July after cameras caught her crying beside Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions. She later explained she had been dealing with a “personal issue,” though she did not reveal thedetails.
Adding to the pressure, the incident came just after Labour was forced into a major U-turn on welfare reforms following a revolt from its own MPs. Her visible distress briefly rattled financial markets and sparked rumours about her future in the Treasury.
Now preparing to deliver her second Budget as Britain’s first female Chancellor, Reeves told The Times she regrets that her “difficult moment” happened on live television.
“Most people have a day at work when they cry in the bathroom or go home early,” she said. “Unfortunately, mine was on TV. I always attend PMQs because I see it as my duty — but if I had that day again, I wouldn’t have gone into the chamber.”
Reeves emphasized that she wants to be judged on her ability to run the economy, not on personal matters.
“I’m not a celebrity — I’m the Chancellor. I’m also a mum, a wife, a daughter. I wasn’t born into politics. I’m just trying to do my best.”
She also spoke about protecting her two children from the pressures of life in Downing Street:
“It’s not normal, and kids want normal. We don’t even have the radio on at breakfast.”
Reeves added that she is “sick of people mansplaining how to be Chancellor” and believes some criticism comes from sexist commentators.
“They go after me all the time. It’s exhausting. But I’m not letting them break my confidence.”
Ahead of her November 26 Budget, she warned that Britain needs a new economic direction:
“We can’t keep muddling through. Borrowing is too high, public services are struggling, and we have to make tough choices.”
Reeves admitted Labour has made “a couple of unforced errors” since taking office, but insisted the government is determined to deliver.
Her father, Graham, acknowledged the relentless pressure she faces.
“She’ll get through it — she’s always been determined and hardworking. But some things do hurt her more than she lets on.”
