Angela Rayner returned to Downing Street today to hear Keir Starmer praise the renters rights reforms she championed in government, amid rumours she could run to take his job.
Renters Rights Act Celebration
The former deputy prime minister was back in Downing Street for a reception to celebrate the Renters Rights Act, which came into force on May 1 and ended the power for landlords to evict tenants without a legal reason. However, their paths did not cross as Starmer mingled with homelessness charities and other campaigners after a speech in which he praised the law as an example of 'ripping up the failed status quo'.
Leadership Speculation
Yesterday it was reported that Rayner last week turned down an offer from the Prime Minister to replace Wes Streeting as health secretary, before the role was handed to James Murray. Streeting quit and later said he would stand in any leadership challenge against Sir Keir this summer. Rayner has also been linked with standing, though her decision could rest on whether Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election next month.
Starmer's Speech
Sir Keir told the audience: 'We had to fight for this. We did this very much together. This is not a dry piece of legislation that just sits on the statute books… it makes a real impact for renters up and down the country.' He said he was 'so proud' of the reforms, adding: 'When I became your Prime Minister two years ago, I said sticking plaster politics wouldn't be enough to turn this country around.'
Sir Keir said the reforms were about removing insecurity for tenants but also 'something wider – it's about ripping up that failed status quo. This is a part of that.' He added that in an 'uncertain world' with heightened global tensions, the Government could either go into a 'defensive crouch' which would be 'the wrong response,' or take action to make things better and rip up the status quo.
Sir Keir also highlighted protections for tenants with pets, joking that his family had to buy a kitten, Prince, to convince his daughter to move into Downing Street. 'Larry really went through the roof,' he said.
