Rachel Reeves changed hair colour for fear of iron chancellor image, say insiders

By Grace Piercy, News Reporter

Rachel Reeves changed her hair earlier this month (Image: Getty)

Rachel Reeves changed hair colour for fear of her iron chancellor reputation, claim insiders.

The chancellor previously sported a dark brown bob but traded it in at the start of this month for a lighter, ginger hue.

Some insiders have claimed that this was Ms Reeves intentionally softening her look due to concerns about her “Iron Chancellor” image.

Expert stylist Francesca Cairns said the chancellor's new hair colour was to 'help convey approachability, especially when she's making tough decisions'.

Ms Cairns added that the light hair, which doesn’t contrast as much with her skin, could help Ms Reeves “strike a balance between authority and relatability”.

Rachel Reeves previously had dark brown hair (Image: Getty)

The stylist told the Mail that the colour change would have taken several sessions, due to needing to lighten it from brown to ginger with bleach.

Sources say Reeves’ team is concerned about her position as chancellor if the upcoming Budget is not well-received and her popularity drops.

Tory MPs are offered styling advice by the Tory group Women2Win, co-founded by Theresa May and Anne Jenkin.

Clients are given their “colour season” – which have names such as “Soft Summer”, “Deep Winter” or “Light Spring” – and told which colours and styles will suit them.

Ms Cairns said the Chancellor was a “Deep Autumn” and suited deeper hair shades.

A source close to Ms Reeves said: “When was the last time anyone asked about the colour of any of the male chancellors who preceded Rachel?”