Labour's firebrand deputy leader Angela Rayner has made a significant commitment, declaring she would proudly serve as Deputy Prime Minister should Sir Keir Starmer lead the party to victory in the next general election.
In a revealing interview, the Ashton-under-Lyne MP drew direct parallels with former deputy PM John Prescott, suggesting his influential tenure during the Blair years provides the perfect blueprint for how she would operate in the role.
"I Would Be Deputy Prime Minister"
When pressed on whether she would assume the deputy premiership, Rayner stated unequivocally: "I would be Deputy Prime Minister, yes." She emphasised the importance of the role, noting it would be a "huge honour" to serve the British public in such a capacity.
Her vision for the role extends beyond ceremonial duties. Rayner pointed to John Prescott's legacy, highlighting how he used the position to drive tangible change and hold the government's feet to the fire on key policy issues.
Learning from the Prescott Playbook
Rayner expressed particular admiration for how Prescott managed the delicate balance of being both a loyal deputy to Tony Blair while simultaneously maintaining his own powerful voice within government. This approach, she suggested, allowed him to champion crucial agendas from within the heart of power.
"He did a fantastic job," Rayner remarked, acknowledging Prescott's unique ability to bridge the gap between the parliamentary party, the grassroots membership, and the trade unions—a skill she herself has cultivated throughout her political career.
A Unified Labour Front
The declaration comes at a crucial time for Labour, presenting a united front between the leadership and deputy leadership. Rayner's comments suggest a carefully considered approach to how a Starmer government would operate, with clear roles and responsibilities already being mapped out.
Political analysts note that such early positioning is rare in British politics and indicates both confidence within the Labour hierarchy and a strategic effort to present a government-in-waiting that is prepared to hit the ground running.
With the next general election looming, Rayner's commitment adds another layer of clarity to what a Labour government might look like—and who would be holding the reins of power alongside Sir Keir Starmer.
