In politics, as in life, it helps to get your excuses in early. That presumably is why, ahead of tomorrow’s Budget, Keir Starmer has mounted a vanguard action in defence of his chancellor Rachel Reeves. ‘I’m acutely aware that women get much more abuse and criticism than men do and I think it’s about time we acknowledge that,’ he told broadcasters over the weekend.

Starmer was responding to earlier complaints from Reeves that she is the victim of patronising  – and, even worse, male – armchair critics. ‘I’m sick of people mansplaining how to be chancellor to me,’ she told the Times, adding in a grumble about those nefarious ‘boys who now write newspaper columns’.

Throwing rocks at stupid boys is a lifelong habit for Reeves, who made much of being the first female chancellor, despite being preceded by three female Tory prime ministers. Clearly, her ascent felt like another rebuke to the posh boys who used to mock her chess skills, and continued to underestimate her and sister Ellie as they built careers in Westminster.

The Chancellor didn’t even need to be forgiven for wobbling markets by blubbing in the Commons

No doubt some women will be reading this and nodding knowingly, while also........

© The Spectator