Theresa May acquires Article 50 portrait
1 min read
The Prime Minister has bought an oil painting of her signing the Article 50 letter that began the process of Britain leaving the European Union.
The Telegraph discovered that Theresa May paid £110 from her personal funds for the painting, by artist James Drake.
“She recognised it captured a defining moment in the nation’s history,” said an aide.
Former sports minister Lord Moynihan, a friend of the artist, enabled its delivery. He told the newspaper that it was a “remarkable” work which demonstrated “strength, empathy and respect” for the Prime Minister.
“James Drake is a close friend. [He] approached me to say he had painted the Prime Minister and asked me to ensure she received the painting as a gift,” he added.
“I understand she very much likes the way in which he has captured this historic moment.”
Under the Ministerial Code, gifts must be declared and held by the relevant department. Ministers must pay the remaining value of items worth more than £150 if they want to buy them directly
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