Angela Rayner's Leadership Ambitions Bolstered by £1 Million War Chest
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, has reportedly amassed a substantial 'war chest' exceeding £1 million to finance a potential bid to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader. According to her allies, this financial backing has been secured through a concerted 'personal charm offensive' aimed at cultivating donors over the past five months, following her resignation from the Cabinet due to a stamp duty controversy.
Stealth Operation Accelerates Amid Leadership Turmoil
As speculation mounts that Sir Keir Starmer could soon face a leadership challenge, Ms Rayner has significantly escalated her behind-the-scenes preparations. Sources indicate that she has begun discreetly promising Cabinet positions to key supporters, signalling her readiness to launch a campaign. This strategic manoeuvring coincides with the establishment of a new corporate entity, The Office of Angela Rayner Ltd, incorporated on January 22nd, which is designed to manage her business affairs and public engagements.
Allies of Ms Rayner have claimed that she has received 'firm pledges' totalling more than £1 million, declaring, 'She is ready to go herself. There is enough money behind her.' This financial reservoir is intended to underpin a leadership bid, should the opportunity arise, positioning her as a formidable contender in a potentially crowded field.
Rival Factions and Alleged 'Deep State' Interference
The Labour leadership landscape is becoming increasingly fractious, with several prominent figures positioning themselves for a potential contest. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham are also actively wargaming their strategies, each claiming to have secured the backing of sufficient MPs to trigger a challenge. Mr Burnham remains deeply frustrated after being blocked by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) from standing as the Labour candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, a move that would have facilitated his return to Parliament and strengthened his leadership prospects.
Ms Rayner's supporters have grown increasingly irritated by suggestions from rival camps that she might endorse another candidate rather than run independently. One ally emphasised, 'She is ready to go herself,' dismissing any notion of her playing a supporting role. Additionally, her allies have controversially alleged that HMRC's prolonged investigation into her tax affairs is being deliberately drawn out by a 'deep state' network within the Establishment, aiming to handicap her political ambitions. They hope for a swift exoneration or a conclusion that any underpayment was an 'inadvertent error'.
Polling Pressures and Strategic Calculations
The internal Labour dynamics are being shaped by external political pressures. A recent poll has delivered Sir Keir Starmer his lowest-ever approval ratings, with more than half of voters expressing a desire for a change in Prime Minister. Another survey indicated that Nigel Farage's Reform UK holds a 12-point lead over Labour, concentrating minds within the party about its electoral prospects.
Mr Burnham's supporters believe that after the anticipated poor performance in May's local elections, the clamour for his return will become 'irresistible'. Meanwhile, Downing Street remains suspicious of the roles played by certain figures in Ms Rayner's orbit, including Wajid Khan, Baron Khan of Burnley, who was removed as a minister by Sir Keir last September amid allegations he was 'organising' for Ms Rayner.
Cabinet Promises and Memoir Plans
In a further indication of her preparations, sources reveal that left-wing MPs are already being assured of positions in a potential Rayner Cabinet. Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, a former aid worker and amateur boxer, has been mentioned as a candidate for Health Secretary. Ms Rayner's new company, The Office of Angela Rayner Ltd, is also expected to handle earnings from her upcoming memoir and a series of paid speaking engagements, with PR estimates suggesting she could earn up to £1 million from her autobiography alone.
Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, is also viewed with suspicion by some in Downing Street, with speculation that she might run as a 'stalking horse' candidate to trigger a contest before aligning with either Mr Burnham or Ms Rayner. A Labour MP noted, 'She sees herself as a bit more of a player now. I wonder if the deputy leadership has gone to her head.'
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
A spokesman for Angela Rayner stated, 'Angela has formed a company to provide staff support for her public activities, in line with precedent and with approval from the relevant authorities. Angela said she would co-operate fully with HMRC and continues to do so. A running commentary is not helpful, and nor is ill-informed gossip or idle speculation.' A source close to Ms Rayner added that any criticism of HMRC's handling of her case is not attributable to or sanctioned by her.
As Sir Keir Starmer continues his overseas travels, the jostling for position within Labour intensifies, with financial resources, parliamentary support, and strategic alliances being meticulously assembled by those eyeing the party's top job.
