Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has criticised anonymous No 10 officials for briefing against senior cabinet ministers, warning that such actions amount to 'self-harm'. In an interview with the Guardian's Politics Weekly podcast, Rayner defended herself and colleagues—often women—who have faced negative headlines and speculation about being sacked in a future reshuffle.
Rayner expressed frustration at the source of the briefings, stating: 'Sometimes there are briefings and I don't know where these alleged sources are... It's not a good idea to do that, and it wouldn't be helpful to No 10 to do that.' She added that the briefings do not reflect the reality of how the cabinet works.
The comments come after a turbulent first year for Labour, marked by achievements such as the employment rights bill and social housing investment, but also difficulties in delivering on pledges like G7-leading economic growth. Reports have suggested that ministers including Bridget Phillipson and Lisa Nandy are in the crosshairs for a reshuffle, though allies of the prime minister have denied plans for changes in the autumn.
Rayner also addressed internal party tensions, including a major rebellion on benefits cuts that forced the government to gut its own bill. She acknowledged that Labour MPs needed to be listened to more carefully, saying: 'There wasn't enough work done, in terms of listening and responding to what [MPs] were saying.' She also admitted that the government failed to articulate that welfare changes were about flattening the curve of rising costs, not cutting benefits.
Reflecting on the electorate's frustrations, Rayner said voters' desire for rapid change was a challenge, but stressed that Labour's values had been lost in messaging. She concluded that clear lessons must be learned about how the government introduces and communicates its policies through the parliamentary process.
