"Rishi Sunack's wife"

[CookieMumsters]

This article on the BBC www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60952063 gets 4 paragraphs in before they manage to use her name- Akshata Murty.

Now, I appreciate his name is probably more recognisable to most people, and I can see why the headline is about him, but come on! It's not me is it, misogyny is alive and well at the BBC.

Isn’t the point of it being news that it’s his wife though. Not some random woman. The whole reason people have been watching the Russian office of Infosys is specially because it’s the CoE’s wife. As in, our own Chancellor benefitting from business done in Russia.

Hmmm usually I would agree, but the reason her business decisions are being scrutinised is BECAUSE she's the chancellor's wife, that's why they are seemingly subject to a different level of moral judgement, because we an elected person he ought to be. So to make their argument the BBC are purposefully highlighting her relationship with the chancellor and by proxy the benefits he reaps from her wealth and dealings with Russia, it's to highlighthis hypocrisy given the sanctions being imposed on others.

It wouldn't be a news story if she wasn't RS's wife. Nobody has heard of Akshata Murty.

*Sunak

Well, no-one knows her name so wouldn't mean anything. But he's also, insincerely, been trying to make people feel sorry for him and referred to her in that Kuenssberg interview as "my wife".

'Mr Sunak told the BBC's Newscast podcast this week that he had found criticism of his wife "very upsetting", adding that he understood how film star Will Smith had felt when his own wife had been mocked by comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars over her medical condition.'

I think even where the man is the ‘celebrity’ they should still put eg Rishi Sunaks wife, Akshata Murray, blah blah blah. The media are making money from publishing stories about that person, so the least they can do is give them the courtesy of using their name.

@HomeprideSaucy

It wouldn't be a news story if she wasn't RS's wife. Nobody has heard of Akshata Murty.

Absolutely. Her name is mentioned in the strapline under the photograph.

@Mintymilk

I think even where the man is the ‘celebrity’ they should still put eg Rishi Sunaks wife, Akshata Murray, blah blah blah. The media are making money from publishing stories about that person, so the least they can do is give them the courtesy of using their name.

Mintymilk, this is exactly how I feel. I get that he's the famous one, and without him there is no story, but she is a real person with her own name. There would be no detrement to the story to write this in the first line.

I'd want to compare the treatment of a similar story where the situation was reversed - i.e. high profile woman, unknown husband - before passing judgement. I'm trying to think of one I can google.

This isn't a critical piece, but about Teresa and Philip may appearing on breakfast TV www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39865991.amp

His name is in the headline and the first time he's mentioned he's referred to as "her husband, Philip"

Oh, interesting. Sadly, it's looking as though you're correct, OP.

Normally i am "say her name" but her name isn't Sunak and most people would have no clue who she is. What is important here is her connections to Russia and the fact that he says it's irrelevant. The ministerial code says otherwise and he should continue to be pushed on this.

And the only real way to draw attention to it is as "Sunank's wife" because that is what is relevant.

I agree with you OP, that in the first line, the name of anyone being referred to who is the wife (or husband) of someone in public life should be mentioned.

@CookieMumsters

This isn't a critical piece, but about Teresa and Philip may appearing on breakfast TV www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39865991.amp

His name is in the headline and the first time he's mentioned he's referred to as "her husband, Philip"

Philip May was far better known than Rishi Sunak's wife.

Every one would know who Norma Major, Dennis Thatcher, Cherie Blair and Samantha Cameron were. Some might know who Sarah Brown was.

Anyone know who Mrs George Osborne is ? Or Mr Priti Patell? Do they even exist?

Outside of Scotland I defy anyone to know Peter Murrell is Mr Nicola Sturgeon.

You're looking for offence where there really isn't.

Also Philip May and Theresa May use the same surname. Mrs Sunak doesn't call herself Mrs Sunak.

I'm not famous and neither is my husband but people who know us only professionally are likely to have no clue he is my husband.