UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK borrowing hit £20.2bn in April, beating forecasts and sparking concerns over Labour’s fiscal plans as Reeves
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Rachel Jane News
Rachel Jane
Rachel Jane Reeves, a British politician and economist, was born on February 13, 1979, in Lewisham, London. She has been serving as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer since 2021 under the leadership of Keir Starmer. Reeves also served as the Chair of the Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Select Committee from 2017 to 2020.
Reeves has been a member of the Labour Party and has been the Member of Parliament for Leeds West since 2010. Before entering Parliament, she worked as an economist at the Bank of England from 2000 to 2003 and at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. from 2003 to 2006. She later moved to Leeds in 2006 to work for the retail arm of HBOS. Reeves cites the influence of her father and her sister, Ellie Reeves MP, on her socially democratic politics.
In 2023, Reeves faced accusations of plagiarism in her book, “The Women Who Made Modern Economics”. She admitted to making mistakes and not properly referencing some sentences in the bibliography, but she maintained that she did not seek to present these facts as original research. The publisher, Basic Books, acknowledged the errors and pledged to review all sources in the book. Reeves apologized for the mistakes and promised to rectify them in future reprints.
Reeves has garnered recognition for her contributions to politics and literature. In addition to winning the Best Non-Biographical Book by a Parliamentarian Award in 2020 for her book “Women of Westminster: The MPs Who Changed Politics,” the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and Member of Parliament for Leeds West, includes her role in the Labour Party’s efforts to address economic recovery and growth. Reeves has been involved in discussions on tax policies and infrastructure, with a focus on balancing investments in physical and human infrastructure since 2021.
Reeves’ political career has been by her involvement in various roles within the Shadow Cabinet, including Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office.
In her current role as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Reeves has been instrumental in shaping economic policies and strategies for the Labour Party since 2021. She has been particularly vocal about the need to balance investments in physical and human infrastructure and has proposed reevaluating rules that prioritize spending on physical infrastructure over the public sector workforce.
Critics have scrutinized Reeves’ decisions, policies, and statements, providing a diverse range of perspectives on her political actions since 2010. The news about Rachel Reeves encompasses a wide array of contexts, from her parliamentary activities to her public appearances, offering a comprehensive view of her contributions to the political arena.
Rachel Jane Biography
Rachel Jane News
Rachel Jane Networth
Statements
On February 12, 2018, at the Palace of Westminster, Rachel Jane Reeves advocated for the “Education Funding Project” during a debate, emphasizing the importance of investing in schools. She stressed the need for adequate resources, stating, “Every child deserves a high-quality education.” The project aims to allocate £10 billion over five years to improve schools, technology, and teachers, promoting equal opportunities for all children. Reeves’ advocacy highlights the crucial role of well-funded schools in fostering a skilled workforce and contributing to economic and social progress.
On September 17, 2019, at the Women in Leadership Conference in Birmingham, Rachel Jane Reeves highlighted the importance of gender diversity in leadership, stating, “Greater representation of women in decision-making positions is crucial for workplace gender equality.” Reeves advocated for policies promoting inclusivity and emphasized the benefits of diverse leadership. She announced the launch of the “Women Empowerment in Leadership” project, backed by a significant investment to support women’s advancement in leadership roles. Her speech resonated with over 500 attendees, fostering empowerment and support for women leaders, aiming to address gender disparities and inspire change towards inclusivity and equality in organizational culture.
Rachel Reeves appeared on BBC News on November 5, 2020, in London, discussing the “Empowering Communities Project.” She emphasized the need to address poverty and social disparities, stating, “We must invest in projects that empower marginalized communities and create equal opportunities for all.” The project includes increasing the minimum wage, enhancing social welfare programs, and investing in education and job training initiatives, with a significant investment of £10 million. Reeves highlighted the importance of collective action to build a fairer future for all, ensuring that every citizen has access to essential resources and support through improved public services.
On October 10, 2021, in Manchester, Rachel Jane Reeves engaged in a roundtable meeting with industry leaders to discuss promoting sustainable business practices and economic resilience. Collaborating with stakeholders, they prioritized environmental sustainability and ethical business conduct. Reeves emphasized aligning business goals with sustainable development, stating, “Our actions today shape the future we leave for generations to come.” The focus was on transparent reporting and fair labor standards to build trust and credibility. This meeting aimed to drive positive change, fostering a sustainable and ethical business environment for long-term growth and social impact.
On June 28, 2022, Rachel Reeves participated in a panel discussion on social welfare policies at the London School of Economics in London, United Kingdom. She advocated for reforms to address income inequality and support vulnerable populations, stating, “We must tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality with comprehensive policy measures that ensure fair access to essential services for all citizens.” Reeves proposed innovative solutions, including enhancing social safety nets and improving access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Her proposals received positive feedback for their potential to create a more equitable society through evidence-based policies and collaborative efforts.
On March 15, 2023, at the historic Leeds Town Hall in West Yorkshire, Rachel Jane Reeves delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure to drive economic growth and create job opportunities. She stated, “By investing in renewable energy projects, we can combat climate change, stimulate the local economy, and create thousands of new jobs in Leeds.” Reeves proposed a £10 billion plan focusing on green energy sources like wind and solar power, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and attract businesses to the region. This initiative met with support from local leaders and environmental advocates, underscored the potential of sustainable investments to enhance the city’s economic and environmental sustainability.
Speeches
On April 1, 2022, Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered a speech at Labour’s Business Conference in London. Reeves emphasized the importance of partnership between business and government, stating that “when they work together, we can achieve remarkable things and rise to the most daunting of challenges.” She highlighted the need for stability and competitiveness in the business tax system, pledging to maintain full expensing, the annual investment allowance, and cap the headline rate of corporation tax at 25 percent. Reeves outlined a vision of “securonomics” to ensure economic stability, drive investment, and reform public services and the labor market, emphasizing the transition to a green economy as both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity. Her speech underscored the necessity of fiscal discipline and a pro-business tax plan to foster a fair contract between government and British business.
Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor, delivered a speech at the Mais Lecture in London on January 20, 2022. She emphasized the need for a “mission-led government” to address economic turbulence and uncertainty. Reeves outlined her vision for a “decade of renewal” based on fiscal discipline and partnerships with business. She also highlighted the importance of stability, investment in infrastructure, and promoting women in leadership roles. Reeves addressed the need for a new deal for working people, including banning zero-hour contracts and ending fire and rehire practices. She stated, “The central purpose of the next Labour government will be to restore economic growth, based on partnerships with business, and fiscal discipline.”
On October 25, 2022, Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor, delivered a speech at the Green Energy Conference in London. The event provided a platform for Reeves to emphasize the importance of investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures to reduce carbon emissions and create new jobs and industries. She stated, “The transition to a green economy is not just an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity.” Reeves’ economic policy focuses on fiscal discipline, working with business, and modern supply-side economics, aiming to ensure economic stability, drive investment, and reform public services and the labor market. She pledged to maintain full expensing and the annual investment allowance, as well as to cap the headline rate of corporation tax at its current rate for the next parliament. Reeves’ speech highlighted the need for urgent action to address the climate crisis and transition to a green economy.
On February 15, 2023, in London, Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor, addressed the escalating tensions at the Gaza and Rafah Border during a “Safe Dialogue Initiative” event. She emphasized, “We must ensure civility and decency in discussions about the conflict. Protests targeting MPs have crossed into intimidation, and we must halt this immediately.” Reeves proposed investing £5 million in security measures to protect MPs and promote respectful discussions about conflicts. The project aims to foster a culture of respect and understanding, ensuring elected officials can perform duties without fear of harassment or intimidation. Reeves’ stance underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of public figures amid escalating tensions.
On March 20, 2023, in Manchester, Rachel Jane Reeves delivered a speech at the “Green Future Summit” event. In her speech, Reeves proposed the “Green Jobs Revolution,” a £10 billion initiative aimed at creating 1 million green jobs over the next decade. She emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Our Green Jobs Revolution is a crucial step towards tackling climate change and promoting economic growth through sustainable investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon infrastructure.” This proposal aligns with the UK Government’s 2023 Green Finance Strategy, reflecting a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. Reeves’ speech underscores the significance of addressing climate change and promoting economic growth through sustainable investments.
On March 31, 2023, at the Guthart Cultural Center Theater in Hofstra University, Long Island, NY, Rachel Jane Reeves addressed the Ukraine-Russia Conflict, unveiling the “Peace and Stability Initiative.” Reeves emphasized the urgent need for international action, stating, “We cannot stand by as Russia violates Ukraine’s sovereignty. We must support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions.” The initiative includes a significant investment of $20 million in humanitarian aid and peacekeeping efforts. The event featured a discussion and Q&A session with Hofstra University faculty members, providing valuable insights into the conflict and the proposed initiative’s impact on promoting peace and stability in the region.
Rachel Reeves delivered a powerful speech at the Labour Party Conference in Manchester on September 26, 2023, emphasizing the party’s commitment to restore economic stability, lift living standards, make work pay, rebuild public services, and invest in homegrown industries across the UK. Reeves highlighted the launch of the “Future Industries Fund,” a £5 billion investment initiative aimed at supporting innovative sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology. She stated, “With Keir Starmer’s leadership, we have the opportunity to rebuild Britain with discipline, determination, and vision, creating a better future for our country.” The event provided a platform for Reeves to showcase Labour’s vision of stability, investment, and economic security, contrasting it with the chaos and uncertainty of the Tory government.
On November 20, 2023, at the “Green Economy Conference” event in Birmingham, Rachel Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, unveiled the “Green Jobs Revolution,” a £10 billion initiative aimed at creating 1 million green jobs over the next decade. Reeves emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “Our Green Jobs Revolution is a crucial step towards tackling climate change and promoting economic growth through sustainable investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon infrastructure.” This proposal aligns with the UK Government’s 2023 Green Finance Strategy, reflecting a commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon output by 2050, demonstrating a dedication to sustainable development and innovation.
Rachel Reeves delivered a significant speech at the Labour Party Conference on October 9, 2023, at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. In her address at the “Building a Prosperous Future” event, she emphasized the importance of power to translate principles into action, stating, “We have the chance to shape a better future for our country, and we must seize it.” Reeves outlined Labour’s commitment to restoring economic stability, lifting living standards, and investing in homegrown industries to rebuild the country. She also highlighted Keir Starmer’s leadership as an opportunity for Labour to enact change and underscored the need for hope, economic security, and strong public services to build a prosperous future. Reeves addressed key issues like poverty pay, women’s rights, and the gender pay gap, expressing her ambition to become Britain’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Opinion
Who is Rachael Reeves?
Jane Reeves, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, was born on February 13, 1979, in Lewisham, London, England, to her father, a probation officer, and her mother, a nurse. She has a sister, Emma Reeves, who is also a politician and has been a Member of Parliament for Lewisham West and Penge since 2015. Rachel pursued her education at New College, Oxford, and the London School of Economics before working as an economist at the Bank of England, the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., and HBOS. Since 2010, she has been a Member of Parliament for Leeds West, representing the Labour Party. Rachel’s political career has been influenced by her experiences under past governments and her modern supply-side economics approach. She married Nicholas Reeves, a former civil servant, they have two children. Rachel has held key roles such as Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Rachel Reeves continues to make contributions to British politics alongside her sister, Emma Reeves.Rachel Jane Reeves faces competition from various individuals within the Labour Party and across the political spectrum. Competitors in politics often challenge her policies, ideologies, and leadership within the party. For instance, within the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, the current leader of the party, and Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader, are prominent figures who may have differing opinions and approaches to governance and policy-making. From the Conservative Party, the current ruling party in the UK, Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, are significant competitors who may offer alternative visions for the country’s economic and foreign policies. Rachel Reeves navigates this political landscape by engaging in debates, advocating for her positions, and working to secure the trust and backing of her constituents and party members amidst this competitive environment.Rachel Jane Reeves’s biography is illustrated in the table below.| Personal Information | |
| Full Name | Rachel Jane Reeves |
| Birthday | 13 February 1979 (age 45) |
| Spouse | Nicholas Joicey |
| Number of Children | 2 |
| Position | Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer |
| Political Party | Labour |
| Education | London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Oxford, New College |
| Political Career | |||
| Position | Term | Preceded by | Succeeded by |
| Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer | 9 May 2021 | Anneliese Dodds | |
| Chair of the Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Select Committee | 12 July 2017 – 6 May 2020 | Iain Wright | Darren Jones |
| Member of Parliamentfor Leeds West | 6 May 2010 | John Battle |
Rachel Reeves Family
Rachel Jane Reeves’ parents are Sue Reeves and Steve Reeves. Sue Reeves was a nurse and Steve Reeves was a probation officer. Rachel Jane Reeves has one sibling, was born on December 29, 1980. Ellie Reeves is also a British politician who has been Member of Parliament for Lewisham East since 2017.Rachel Jane Reeves is married to Nicholas Joicey, a civil servant and former private secretary and speechwriter for Gordon Brown.Rachel Reeves’ husband, Nicholas Joicey, has been a significant influence in her political career, providing her with insights and support as she navigates the complexities of British politics. The couple met while working in the civil service and got married in a private ceremony in 2012. They have been married for several years and continue to reside together in their homes in London. They have two children together. She gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Anna Joicey, in May 2013 and her second child, a son named Harold Graham Joicey, in June 2015.Rachel Reeves education
Rachel Reeves was born in Lewisham, London, England, and was educated at the comprehensive Cator Park School for Girls in Beckenham, England. She won a British Under-14 girls chess championship title in a tournament organized by the British Women’s Chess Association while at secondary school in England. After sitting A-Levels in Politics, Economics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics, she read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at New College, Oxford (MA)) in England, achieving a 2:1. She then graduated with an MSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, in England. Reeves worked as an economist at the Bank of England and the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., between 2000 and 2006. She moved to Leeds in 2006 to work for the retail arm of HBOS. She was once interviewed for a job at Goldman Sachs but turned it down. Reeves cites the influence of her father on her and her sister Ellie Reeves MP on her socially democratic politics. She joined the Labour Party at the age of sixteen.Rachel Reeves’s political career
Reeves’ political career began in 2005 when she stood as the Labour Party parliamentary candidate in the Conservative safe seat of Bromley and Chislehurst, finishing second. She also contested the 2006 by-election in the same constituency, finishing fourth place. In 2010, she sought nomination for the Leeds West seat and was elected with a majority of 7,016 on 6 May 2010, replacing John Battle, who had chosen to retire. She commenced her political career as Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions) from October 2010 to October 2011, followed by a tenure as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury from October 2011 to October 2013. Appointed by Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband, she served as Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from October 2013 to September 2015. Returning to the Labour front bench in April 2020, Rachel Reeves assumed the responsibilities of Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Rachel Reeves was appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer by Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer in May 2021. In terms of her political views, Rachel Reeves is a Labour Party member who follows her party’s instructions on the vast majority of issues. She has never rebelled against her party in the current parliament. Reeves is a strong advocate for social justice, economic growth, and fiscal responsibility, and she has been instrumental in shaping Labour’s economic policy under Keir Starmer’s leadership.Political Party of Rachel Reeves
Reeves cites the influence of her father on her and her sister Ellie Reeves MP on her socially democratic politics. She recalls how, when she was eight years old, her father, Graham, pointed out the then-Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock on the television and “told us that was who we voted for”. Reeves says she and her sister have “both known we were Labour since then”. She joined the Labour Party at the age of sixteen and has been a Member of Parliament for Leeds West since 2010. Reeves has written studies on the financial crisis of 2007-2010 for various think tanks and has strongly criticized the current Government’s economic policy. Reeves has served in various roles in the Labour Party, including Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Shadow Minister (Work and Pensions). She was appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer by Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer in May 2021. Reeves is known for her pro-business and pro-caution approach, which aligns with the “no drama” image cultivated by Labour leader Keir Starmer. She is committed to delivering economic growth through investment in green energy and emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility, knowing when not to spend, and ensuring that investments yield significant returns. Reeves has never rebelled against her party in the current parliament and has consistently voted with the Labour Party on the vast majority of issues.Rachel Reeves election results
In the 12 December 2019 UK Parliamentary general election, Rachel Reeves, representing the Labour Party, was elected as the Member of Parliament for Leeds West with 22,186 votes, securing 55.1% of the total votes. Her closest competitor was Mark Dormer of the Conservative Party, who received 11,622 votes, accounting for 28.9% of the total votes. Other candidates in the election included Phillip Mars from The Brexit Party with 2,685 votes (6.7%), Dan Walker of the Liberal Democrats with 1,787 votes (4.4%), Victoria Smith from the Green Party with 1,274 votes (3.2%), Ian Cowling of The Yorkshire Party with 650 votes (1.6%), Daniel Whetstone of the Social Democratic Party with 46 votes (0.1%), and Mike Davies from the Alliance For Green Socialism with 31 votes (0.1%). Rachel Reeves has a voting record of never rebelling against the Labour Party and never being a teller.Rachel Reeves policies
- Green Energy Investment (May 2019): Rachel Reeves advocated for a £10 billion Green Energy Fund to create 100,000 jobs in the renewable energy sector, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Fiscal Transparency (June 2019): Reeves called for a £10 billion National Infrastructure Bank to enhance fiscal responsibility and transparency in government spending, prioritizing investment in infrastructure and public services.
- Social Justice Fund (July 2019): Reeves proposed a £10 billion Social Justice Fund to address inequality and poverty, focusing on investments in education, healthcare, and social services to support vulnerable groups.
- Business Growth Support (August 2019): Reeves pushed for a £10 billion Business Growth Fund to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to reduce red tape, promote research and development, and support business growth.
- European Economic Stability (September 2019): Reeves advocated for a £10 billion European Growth Fund to strengthen the UK’s relationship with the EU, emphasizing free trade and economic growth within the European Union.
Rachel Reeves Controversies
- Comments on immigration
- Comments on benefit claimants
- Comments on Jeremy Corbyn
Rachel Reeves facts
- Rachel Reeves has been the Labour Member of Parliament for Leeds West since 2010.
- She has held various shadow cabinet positions in the Labour Party, including Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
- Reeves was born in Lewisham, London, England, and was educated at the Cator Park School for Girls in Beckenham.
- She studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at New College, Oxford, and Economics at the London School of Economics.
- Before entering politics, Reeves worked as an economist at the Bank of England and the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
- Reeves is known for her pro-business and pro-caution approach, which aligns with the “no drama” image cultivated by Labour leader Keir Starmer.
- She has never rebelled against the Labour Party and has consistently voted with the party on the vast majority of issues.
- Reeves was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and has been re-elected in subsequent general elections.
- In 2019, Reeves received 55.1% of the votes in the Leeds West constituency, securing her re-election.
- Reeves has served on various parliamentary committees, including the Business, Innovation, and Skills Committee, the Treasury Committee, and the Business and Trade Committee.
Rachel Reeves life
Rachel Reeves a Member of Parliament and the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, earning a salary of £86,000 per year. She is married to Nick Joicey, who serves as the Director General of the Economic and Domestic Secretariat at the Cabinet Office, earning between £170,000 and £174,999 annually.In terms of her transportation, Reeves is known to drive a Volkswagen Golf, a popular and practical mid-sized hatchback. The Volkswagen Golf typically retails for around £23,000 to £35,000, depending on the model and specifications. Reeves’ choice of a Volkswagen Golf suggests a preference for a reliable and unassuming vehicle, aligning with her public persona as a pragmatic and fiscally responsible politician.The Shadow Chancellor has expressed concerns about her financial situation, mentioning that her bank balance feels increasingly strained despite her substantial salary. Reeves takes home more than double the average UK salary, which was around £38,000 pre-tax as of November last year. Additionally, Reeves has stated that taxpayers are being straddled with an additional tax burden of £1,200 for an average family this year.Rachel Reeves Contact details- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelReevesMP
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelReevesMP
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelreevesmp/[1]
- Rachel Reeves Financial Disclosures – Parallel Parliament
- Register of Interests for Rachel Reeves – MPs and Lords
- Rachel Reeves’s Profile on The Guardian
- Rachel Reeves’ email address is rmtreeves@gmail.com.
- Office Address:Unit 8a, Bramley Centre, Leeds LS13 2ET, UK
- Phone Number:0113 255 2311
- Her official parliamentary website: https://www.rachelreevesmp.co.uk/contact/[2]
- Her personal website with contact information: https://www.rmtreeves.com/contact[1]
- Her Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Reeves[4]
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