Angela Rayner Signals Political Resilience Amid Labour Turmoil
Angela Rayner has reportedly declared to supporters that she is "not dead yet" as speculation intensifies over a potential leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. The former deputy prime minister's remarks come at a tumultuous time for the Labour Party, with internal divisions becoming increasingly public.
Leadership Numbers and Burnham's Blocked Return
According to sources speaking to The Times, Rayner made her defiant comments during a private fundraising dinner where she suggested the current Labour leadership "should do better." Her allies claim she would command the support of approximately 80 Labour MPs, potentially enough to mount a serious leadership bid under party rules.
This development follows another significant blow to Starmer's authority, with the prime minister personally voting to block Andy Burnham's pathway back to Westminster. Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, had been seeking to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, but this move has been effectively thwarted by the party leadership.
Internal Calculations and Rival Ambitions
One Labour MP told The Independent: "Now Andy cannot get into parliament, Angela has become the obvious choice." The same source dismissed Health Secretary Wes Streeting as "too rightwing" for many in the party.
Another parliamentarian expressed confidence in Rayner's potential support: "Angela can get the 81 MPs needed, I'm sure. It depends if she wants it." They added that the upcoming by-elections could accelerate any leadership challenge, particularly if Labour performs poorly.
The situation appears to be developing into a race between potential challengers, with one MP observing: "It's becoming a question of who will be first to jump and when, rather than if now."
Rayner's Political Positioning and Financial Backing
During her recent appearance before activists in central London, Rayner reportedly reflected on her political journey since being elected as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015. She told supporters: "You'll remember when I was a young whippersnapper. I've come through the ranks and had the honour and privilege to get us into government and become your deputy prime minister. And I'm still fighting."
According to The Times, Rayner's allies believe she could secure more than £1 million from donors if she formally declared a leadership bid. She has reportedly been cultivating this support through dinners at her flat in Hove.
Rayner also addressed external political threats during her remarks, warning of the "dangerous" challenge posed by Reform UK and vowing: "I ain't giving those keys to No 10 to Nigel Farage."
Ongoing Political Activities and Official Response
The former deputy prime minister continues to maintain an active political profile through speaking engagements organised by Labour MPs. She is scheduled to address a reception next month hosted by Mainstream, a new Labour group co-launched by Andy Burnham.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Rayner offered a characteristically robust response: "Angela is indeed alive and well, but won't be indulging ill-informed gossip or idle speculation."
This comes against a backdrop of anticipated difficult election results for Labour in May, which many observers believe will intensify questions about Starmer's leadership and the party's direction.
