Prime Minister Keir Starmer has given his strongest indication to date that former deputy Angela Rayner will be welcomed back into his top ministerial team, describing her as a 'hugely talented' figure and the country's best social mobility story.
Definitive Endorsement After Resignation
In a significant shift from his previous comments, Starmer explicitly stated that Rayner would return to the cabinet. This marks a more definitive stance than his letter in September 2024, written after her resignation, which only noted she would remain a major party figure. Rayner stepped down as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary after the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, found she had breached the ministerial code.
The breach centred on an underpayment of stamp duty on a flat purchase in Hove. While Sir Laurie concluded Rayner had 'acted with integrity', her failure to seek sufficient professional advice on the tax liability was deemed a breach of the rules.
Praise Amidst Political Speculation
Speaking to the Observer, Starmer expressed sadness at her departure and high praise for her abilities. 'Yes, of course I do [miss her]. I was really sad that we lost her,' he said, before adding, 'Yes. She's hugely talented,' when asked about a cabinet return.
He highlighted her personal journey, calling the MP, who left school at 16 without qualifications, 'the best social mobility story this country has ever seen'. The Prime Minister also linked the criticism faced by Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves to misogyny, stating abuse for women in politics is 'always worse'.
Navigating the Path Back to Government
Rayner's return is not without complication, given the official finding of a code breach. Since resigning, she has maintained a low public profile. She was expected to push an amendment to the workers' rights bill she championed but shelved the plan after discussions with Business Secretary Peter Kyle.
Her resignation followed a different pattern to that of Tulip Siddiq, a Treasury minister who resigned in January 2024 over connections to her aunt in Bangladesh. In Siddiq's case, Starmer's letter explicitly stated 'the door remains open' for a return, a phrase absent from his initial correspondence with Rayner.
The announcement also comes against a backdrop of internal party speculation, with Rayner's name mentioned among ministers linked to potential moves against Starmer should Labour fare poorly in upcoming elections. Her allies have firmly rejected such claims.
