In her first significant interview since stepping down as Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner has made a defiant pledge to continue fighting for ordinary Britons from the backbenches.
The former Deputy Labour Leader used the occasion to condemn the recent infighting within her party, branding it 'arrogant tittle tattle', and called for a renewed focus on the material issues affecting voters.
Focus on Constituency and Care Workers
Speaking during a visit to the Hurst Hall Care Centre in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency on 15th November 2025, Ms Rayner spent time with carers and residents. Having worked as a carer herself, she praised the staff as heroes and expressed anger that they are often a 'forgotten' workforce.
She connected this directly to her life's work: the landmark Employment Rights Bill. This legislation aims to establish legally binding minimum pay and employment terms for care workers in England, thereby improving the overall standard of care.
A Call for Party Unity and Delivery
When questioned about the recent turbulent week in Westminster, which saw Health Secretary Wes Streeting complain of a 'toxic culture in Downing Street', Rayner was dismissive. She urged her colleagues to remember the 14 years of Tory chaos and focus on Labour's delivery record.
'We've already delivered free breakfast clubs for kids in schools, rolling out more free meals for kids at lunch time, more police on the street, bringing down NHS waiting lists,' she stated, also highlighting the Renters Rights Act. She insisted the party must not drown out these achievements with internal squabbles.
Defiant Pledge Against Political Opponents
Ms Rayner issued a direct challenge to the political parties she holds responsible for delaying or threatening her key legislation. She accused the Lib Dems and Tories of 'shenanigans' in the House of Lords, holding up the bill.
She saved particular ire for Reform UK, after its deputy leader vowed to scrap the Employment Rights Bill entirely. 'Bring it on,' she declared. 'I'll take Reform on, I'll take the Tories on and I'll take the Lib Dems on as well.'
She concluded with a powerful message: 'This is about real people’s lives, it’s about providing services, and that’s why I came here today to tell them that this is what I fought for in Government, and this is what I’m fighting for now as a backbencher.'
