Keir Starmer has been left red-faced after it emerged his new equality chief accused Rachel Reeves of pushing “hundreds of thousands of women into poverty”. The Government announced this afternoon that its preferred candidate for chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission is Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson is their pick for the top job.
She will replace Baroness Falkner at the body which previously investigated the Labour Party for antisemitism. Bridget Phillipson, the minister for equality, praised Dr Mary-Ann’s “depth of her expertise in human rights and equality” when announcing her pick. She added: “Dr Stephenson is exceptionally suited to leading the EHRC and ensuring it continues to uphold the equalities framework in this country.”
However just two months ago Dr Mary-Ann wrote an article warning that the Chancellor’s cuts to disability benefits will “push hundreds of thousands of women into poverty or force them out of workforce”.
The article branded Ms Reeves’ benefit cuts as “staggering” and warned they will inflict “disproportionate suffering” on women.
Writing for OpenDemocracy she argued: “For many Disabled women in the UK, Reeves’ latest cuts follow what has already been an 11% drop in their living standards over the past 15 years. Cutting their living standards further is unthinkable.
“Women also make up the majority of the UK’s unpaid carers, who provide care and support to family members, friends, or neighbours. They, too, will be hit hard by the changes.”
Last October she also called for a wealth tax on the assets of Britain’s richest individuals in order to “reduce the stark inequalities in this country and help raise the vital funds needed to ensure that the transition to a greener, cleaner, more prosperous future is fair for everyone at home and abroad”.
Dr Mary-Ann also signed a petition in April this year praising the Government’s decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme for illegal migrants.
The UK’s new equality chief backed a new strategy “for welcoming refugees by ensuring fair, rapid decisions on their application for asylum, and the chance to rebuild their lives through settling in a community”.
Responding to her soon-to-be appointment, Dr Mary-Ann said: “I am honoured to be named the Government’s preferred candidate to be the new chair for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
“The EHRC plays an integral role in protecting and advancing equalities and I am deeply committed to furthering this work as chair. With over 30 years working on equalities and human rights, I am confident that I will bring a breadth of experience and insight to the role.
“I look forward to working with the team in the EHRC as well as stakeholders and the government to ensure equalities are upheld and all people are treated with respect and dignity.”