Sir Keir Starmer, the newly-elected Prime Minister, has quickly started to make changes to Downing Street to make it feel more like home. Instead of spending a fortune on interior designers or expensive wallpaper, he has decided to remove a portrait of Margaret Thatcher, citing that he finds it unsettling.
The decision to take down the painting of the former Conservative leader has caused quite a stir among Tories, with one member calling it petty. The portrait was originally commissioned by Gordon Brown and funded through an anonymous donation that covered the £100,000 cost. Interestingly, it was the first painting of a former Prime Minister ever requested by No 10.
The removal of the portrait has sparked debate and raised questions about the significance of artwork in political spaces. Some argue that it is a matter of personal preference and comfort, while others see it as a political statement. Regardless of the reasons behind the decision, it is clear that Sir Keir Starmer is keen on making Downing Street his own.
In a related incident, a painter who had previously threatened to harm former Labour leader Ed Miliband has been sentenced to three years in jail. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense emotions and tensions that can arise in the political landscape, even within the realm of art and portraiture.
As Sir Keir Starmer settles into his new role as Prime Minister, his actions and decisions regarding the decor of Downing Street will continue to be closely watched. The removal of the Margaret Thatcher portrait is just the beginning of what promises to be a period of change and transformation in the heart of British politics. Only time will tell what other surprises and alterations await in the halls of power.
