Angela Rayner has robustly dismissed allegations of a secret 'joint ticket' agreement with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to mount a future challenge for the Labour Party leadership. The claims, which suggested a pact to potentially topple Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have been labelled as 'completely untrue' by spokespeople for both senior figures.
Allegations of a Secret Pact and Swift Denials
According to reports, allies of Wes Streeting were accused of pressuring Ms Rayner to sign up to a coordinated leadership bid. The disgraced former housing secretary, who resigned in September after revelations she underpaid approximately £40,000 in stamp duty on her Brighton home, was reportedly promised a significant Cabinet role in exchange for her support. A return to her former position of Deputy Prime Minister was also said to be on the table.
However, a spokesperson for Mr Streeting was unequivocal in their rejection of the story, describing it as a 'silly season story'. They emphasised that the Health Secretary's sole focus was on managing the NHS through the winter and negotiating with junior doctors to avert strikes. A source close to Ms Rayner was equally forceful, stating 'There is no vacancy and there is no pact' and asserting that Ms Rayner would 'not be played like a pawn'.
Background of Internal Labour Tensions
This episode follows a vicious internal briefing war last month, where allies of Sir Keir Starmer were accused of singling out Mr Streeting to warn off potential leadership contenders. The Health Secretary publicly criticised a 'toxic' and 'juvenile' culture within Downing Street, prompting a humiliating phone call from the Prime Minister to insist the briefings did not originate from Number 10.
Sir Keir subsequently held an inquiry, concluding he had been assured no one in his team had briefed against Mr Streeting. The episode left the Prime Minister politically exposed and led to speculation about the future of his controversial chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, though sources have insisted he was not involved and 'is not going anywhere'.
Rayner's Political Focus and Future Moves
Amid the leadership speculation, Angela Rayner is preparing to return to the political frontline by championing workers' rights reforms. She is set to table an amendment to the Workers' Rights Bill, a flagship policy she advocated for before her resignation. The amendment will seek to bring key measures, including a reduced qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims, into force in 2026 instead of 2027.
She is working on this with former minister Justin Madders, having consulted with MPs and union colleagues. This move signals her continued influence on domestic policy, even from the backbenches. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has previously dismissed talk of leadership challenges as a 'wasted' use of time, urging the party to focus on governing.
