Former deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner has publicly condemned the recent internal party conflicts, branding the anonymous briefings and speculation as 'arrogant tittle tattle' that is detached from the real issues facing the British public.
Rayner on a Potential Political Return
During a visit to a care centre in her constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne, Rayner was questioned by the Daily Mirror about a potential comeback to frontline politics. She firmly stated that she had not 'gone away', expressing humility for the support from her constituents.
'I'm really humbled and I always have been, the people of Ashton-under-Lyne have always supported me,' she told the newspaper. Rayner highlighted her decade in government and her current focus on championing local views, alongside her key interests in tackling child poverty and ensuring the full implementation of the Fair Pay Agreement and Employment Rights Bill.
The Source of the Infighting
Her comments come in the wake of significant turmoil within the Labour Party. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced an investigation to uncover the source of allegations that Health Secretary Wes Streeting was involved in plotting a leadership challenge.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley confirmed that Sir Keir would 'take action' to prevent further such attacks. Mr Streeting himself criticised the 'toxic culture' surrounding the No 10 operation, raising questions about the future of Sir Keir's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
A Call for Party Unity
Rayner used her platform to call for solidarity within the Labour movement. 'I think the party should always be together,' she asserted, emphasising her longstanding belief in binding together diverse views within the party.
She contrasted the Westminster gossip with the 'real challenges that real people are facing', which she witnessed during her constituency visit. The Prime Minister has stated he was assured the briefings against Mr Streeting did not originate from Downing Street but vowed to deal with anyone found responsible for briefing against ministers.
This political storm unfolds months after Rayner's resignation from her roles as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader in September. This followed an independent ethics probe which found she had breached the ministerial code concerning an underpayment of stamp duty on a seaside flat, though the adviser noted she had 'acted with integrity'.
