Rachel Reeves’ chess champion claim faces scrutiny after records reveal a different winner
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced questions over her claim to have been the British girls' under-14 chess champion. Records from 1993 show a different winner, sparking debate about the accuracy of her statement. The dispute has drawn attention from former competitors and chess historians alike.
In a recent interview, Reeves stated she held the title of British girls' under-14 chess champion. However, BritBase, a historical chess database, lists Emily Howard as the official winner for that year. The discrepancy has led to further scrutiny of Reeves’ past statements.
Former junior chess champion Alex Edmans challenged Reeves’ claim directly. He confirmed that she had not won the main British girls' under-14 championship but instead competed in the British Women’s Chess Association (BWCA) Girls Championship. According to Edmans, Reeves finished 26th in the official tournament, while she did win the BWCA event alongside three other players.
This is not the first time Reeves has faced criticism over her professional background. Previously, questions arose about her description of her role at the Bank of England. The latest chess controversy adds to ongoing discussions about the accuracy of her public statements.
The records confirm Emily Howard as the 1993 British girls' under-14 champion, not Reeves. Reeves’ title came from a separate BWCA event, which Edmans clarified was not the official national championship. The debate highlights the importance of verifying historical claims in public statements.
