Angela Rayner is set to launch a podcast as part of her efforts to return to frontline politics. The former deputy prime minister's show, titled Beyond the Bubble, is seen as an attempt to broaden her appeal ahead of a potential Labour leadership contest.
The pilot episode features an interview with former Tory cabinet minister and Spectator editor Michael Gove, focusing on housing policy. The podcast has been produced by Global, which owns LBC radio, though a full series has not yet been commissioned and no launch date has been announced.
Some supporters of Sir Keir Starmer have expressed concern that Ms Rayner may use the platform to criticise the current Labour government's direction. Earlier this month she gave a speech condemning the government's anti-immigration policies as “un-British” and warned that Labour had “come to resemble the establishment”.
Despite her criticism, Sir Keir has said he hopes to bring Ms Rayner back into government after she resigned last year over her tax affairs. He told the Electoral Dysfunction podcast that she still has a “leading role” to play. However, Ms Rayner is awaiting a report from HMRC into £30,000 of unpaid stamp duty before any return.
Bookmakers currently list Ms Rayner as the favourite to succeed Sir Keir, who has insisted he is “not going anywhere” as leader.
