Angela Rayner has declared she will "not be played like a pawn" following reports of a mooted deal for her to run on a joint ticket with Health Secretary Wes Streeting for the Labour leadership.
Claims of a 'Joint Ticket' Emerge
A report in The Telegraph on Saturday, 6th December 2025, alleged that MPs close to Wes Streeting had approached the former deputy prime minister about the prospect of a pact. The suggestion was that the pair could form a "joint ticket" for the top party job, though the paper noted this allowed the Cabinet minister to deny any personal involvement.
According to the report, Ms Rayner, who resigned from government in September over her tax affairs, had discussed the approaches with some of her supporters. However, the claims were swiftly and firmly dismissed by camps representing both senior Labour figures.
Firm Denials from Both Camps
A source close to Angela Rayner was unequivocal, stating: "There is no vacancy and there is no pact." The source added, "Amidst all the stirring and silly games, Angela is focused on representing her constituents and ensuring that this Government delivers. Angela is made of tough stuff and she will not be played like a pawn."
Equally, a spokesperson for Wes Streeting labelled the story "completely untrue" and a "silly season" tale. The spokesperson emphasised the Health Secretary's current priorities, saying: "Wes's entire focus is on getting the NHS through this winter, and the only deal he's interested in doing is with the resident doctors to avert strikes."
The spokesperson suggested that Mr Streeting's support for Ms Rayner during a difficult period was being misinterpreted, stating: "People appear to be getting carried away and misinterpreting his support for Angela as something other than supporting a good person going through a difficult time."
Background of Downing Street Tensions
This episode follows recent tensions within the party's upper echelons. Last month, Wes Streeting was forced to deny plotting to unseat Sir Keir Starmer after being subjected to what he criticised as "toxic" anonymous briefings. While some reports suggested the attacks were a tactic to warn off potential leadership contenders, the Prime Minister said he had received assurances they did not come from Number 10.
When questioned about leadership challenges recently, Sir Keir Starmer dismissed such talk as a distraction. He told reporters that every minute spent on internal speculation was "a minute wasted" that should instead be focused on the cost of living, the health service, and community security.
The repeated denials from all sides indicate a desire to quash speculation and present a united front, yet the recurring reports highlight the ongoing undercurrents of ambition and rivalry within the Labour Party as it governs.
