Angela Rayner has insisted she is not stepping down as Labour deputy leader, amid reports of a plot to oust Sir Keir Starmer. Speaking to broadcasters, she said: 'I'm not dead yet' and dismissed speculation about her future.
The Labour leadership has been under scrutiny following a series of by-election defeats and internal divisions. Some party figures have suggested that Starmer's position could be challenged if Labour fails to make significant gains in upcoming local elections.
Rayner, who is also shadow levelling up secretary, said she was focused on the party's campaign to win power at the next general election. She added that Labour was 'ready to govern' and that internal squabbling would not distract from the goal of removing the Conservatives from office.
The comments come after a weekend of briefings and counter-briefings about the state of the Labour leadership. One senior Labour source said: 'There is no plot. Angela and Keir are working closely together to take the fight to the Tories.'
However, other party insiders have expressed concern about Labour's poll ratings and the lack of a clear message. One shadow minister said: 'We need to get our act together or we will blow this opportunity.'
