I’ve long believed in the power of procurement. It can strengthen Britain's critical industrial resilience as part of what I call 'securonomics'. And applying a new 'public interest test' for contracting decisions will strengthen our public services. theguardian.com/business/2026/…

A new portrait of Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been unveiled. It shows her preparing to deliver her first budget in October 2024 as the first female chancellor of the exchequer in the over 900 years the role has existed. It is an oil painting by artist Sally Ward, and the ched it "both a portrait and a history painting, showing an important moment in British political and parliamentary history". Reeves says she is "deeply honoured" that it will be acquired by the Parliamentary Art Collection, and that she hopes it "serves as a reminder to every young woman and girl across the country that there should be no ceiling on their ambition". It will be displayed in the Society of Women Artist’s summer exhibition in June, before its permanent hang in parliament's Portcullis House.