Angela Rayner made her first Commons appearance since her resignation in early September, delivering a personal statement that drew almost full Labour benches. The former deputy prime minister and housing secretary had been absent from Parliament and the party conference.
In her speech, Rayner spoke of her pride in representing her constituents and her socialist values. She acknowledged making a mistake over tax forms but said she was now co-operating with HMRC. She highlighted government achievements including housebuilding, the employment rights bill and the Hillsborough law.
Rayner became emotional, fighting back tears, and concluded that 'it always falls to Labour to turn things round for working people.' Her remarks were met with cheers from Labour MPs, with some breaking protocol to clap.
The return lifted Labour backbenchers, who have been described as depressed about the party's prospects. Rayner's speech gave them hope, with some viewing it as a potential leadership pitch.
Earlier, at Prime Minister's Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch clashed with Sir Keir Starmer over the grooming gangs inquiry after four survivors and a potential chair withdrew. Badenoch accused Starmer of sabotage, but her confrontational approach was seen as ineffective.
