What's happened
Peter Mandelson's suggestion that Keir Starmer should lose weight for political presentation has sparked controversy, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt facing criticism for making insensitive comments towards Starmer.
Why it matters
The controversy surrounding weight comments in politics highlights the impact of appearance on public perception and the discourse surrounding political figures. It raises questions about the role of personal appearance in politics and the potential consequences of such comments on individuals and the political landscape.
What the papers say
Peter Mandelson's comments on Keir Starmer's weight have sparked debate, with some defending the importance of appearance in politics, while others criticize the focus on weight as inappropriate and potentially harmful. The differing perspectives shed light on the complexities of addressing personal appearance in the political sphere.
How we got here
The discussion around weight comments in politics is not new, with past instances of public figures facing scrutiny over their appearance. The impact of such comments on individuals and the broader political context underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the intersection between personal appearance and political discourse.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.
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Jeremy Richard Streynsham Hunt is a British politician serving as Member of Parliament for South West Surrey since 2005. A member of the Conservative Party, he served in the Cabinet from 2010 to 2019, most recently as Foreign Secretary from 2018 to 2019.