Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has faced backlash after announcing the potential return of Angela Rayner to his Cabinet. Starmer expressed his regret over Rayner’s resignation, which took place in September 2022 amid a scandal concerning her tax affairs. In an interview with The Observer, he stated, “Yes, of course I do. I was really sad that we lost her,” highlighting her significance within the Labour movement.
When questioned about her return to the Cabinet, Starmer affirmed, “Yes. She’s hugely talented,” and referred to the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne as “the best social mobility story this country has ever seen.” Despite his praise, the announcement has attracted sharp criticism from the Conservative Party, who argue that Starmer is attempting to salvage his leadership amid declining poll ratings.
Critics within the Conservative Party have pointed to Rayner’s previous breaches of the ministerial code, including her resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary after an independent ethics investigation found that she had underpaid stamp duty on a property. Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative chairman, remarked, “Only Keir Starmer could try and fix a government already drowning in scandal by bringing back another rule-breaker.”
There are also indications that Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, is encouraging Rayner to consider a “joint ticket” for Labour leadership, further complicating the political landscape for Starmer. Hollinrake accused Starmer of lacking the resolve to address the internal challenges posed by the Streeting-Rayner alliance, suggesting that even members of his own party are preparing for changes in leadership.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to leading the Labour Party into the next general election. He reflected on his journey since taking over the party, stating, “When I took over the Labour Party, everyone said to me, ‘you’re not going to be able to change the party.’ We ignored that and carried on.” He emphasized that, contrary to critics, he has successfully guided the party through significant victories.
As the Labour Party continues to navigate its internal dynamics, the future of both Starmer and Rayner remains uncertain. Starmer’s insistence on maintaining his leadership, coupled with calls for Rayner’s return, marks a critical moment for the party as it prepares for the challenges ahead.
