Speculation is mounting that former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is positioning herself for a potential challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, a move amplified by news that she is writing a political memoir.
Memoir Details and Political Timing
Angela Rayner is reportedly preparing to release a book about her life and career in the second half of 2026. The memoir, to be published by The Bodley Head, a division of Penguin Random House UK, will chart her journey from leaving school at 16 after becoming pregnant, through her trade union work, to her rise within the Labour Party.
Editorial director Alice Skinner stated the book would be "unvarnished and upfront" and present an empowering vision for a fairer society. The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time, with Sir Keir Starmer's government facing what sources describe as "devastating approval ratings" and internal concern over its direction.
Leadership Rumours and Denials
The revelation of the memoir has poured fuel on persistent rumours that Ms Rayner is considering a bid for the Labour leadership. These reports have circulated despite the former deputy prime minister maintaining a relatively low public profile since her resignation in September 2025 over a stamp duty controversy on her flat.
Downing Street was recently forced to deny claims that Ms Rayner had been offered the role of Education Secretary to ward off a leadership challenge, labelling such talk "highly speculative". However, sources told The Daily Mail she had resisted the offer to prepare her own bid for Downing Street.
Further reports have suggested a potential "joint ticket" with Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting to challenge the Prime Minister. A source close to Ms Rayner dismissed this, stating "there is no vacancy and there is no pact", and insisted she would "not be played like a pawn".
Starmer's Stance and Party Mood
Amid the growing speculation, Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly insisted he will not step down before the next election. In an interview with The Observer in December 2025, he defiantly referenced past predictions he could not change the Labour Party or win an election, vowing to similarly defy critics of his government's progress.
Nevertheless, the mood within the Parliamentary Labour Party appears tense. There have been reports that some Labour MPs are privately referring to Sir Keir as a "caretaker prime minister", highlighting the scale of the challenge he faces to reassert his authority.
While allies of Angela Rayner have previously slammed "false" claims she is eyeing the leadership, her forthcoming memoir and the continued political chatter ensure she remains a central figure in conversations about Labour's future.
