Rachel Reeves has approved the use of £19,760 of public money to furnish her official residence in Downing Street. The Chancellor is understood to be living in a flat above No 10, while the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, occupies the larger residence above No 11. The two properties have historically been used interchangeably by holders of the two offices.
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The flat had previously been occupied by Rishi Sunak, who is reported to have paid personally for its furnishings during his time in office. When Ms Reeves moved in following the July 2024 general election, the residence was said to have been left unfurnished, prompting the decision to draw on public funds to equip it.
Details of the expenditure emerged in response to a parliamentary written question answered on Friday. Labour confirmed that, following the departure of the previous occupants, the ministerial residence had been provided without furniture. The party added that the items purchased would remain government property and be retained for use by future occupants.
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The issue of refurbishing ministerial residences has attracted scrutiny in the past. Boris Johnson was previously investigated over the funding of renovations to the flat above No 11, costs which he later repaid in full. The Treasury was approached for comment on the most recent expenditure but had not responded at the time of publication.
