Rayner's Memoir Plans Fuel Leadership Speculation
Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, is reportedly in discussions about writing a personal memoir in a move that Westminster insiders are interpreting as a potential pitch for the Labour leadership. The talks come just two months after her resignation over a tax scandal that rocked her political career.
Timing Raises Eyebrows in Westminster
The timing of these discussions has not gone unnoticed among MPs, with many viewing the proposed book as a strategic attempt by Ms Rayner to position herself as a future leader. According to sources, the memoir would likely focus on her working-class background and political journey, themes that have long been central to her public persona.
One minister commented that the memoir represents 'just the start' for Ms Rayner's political rehabilitation, while another told the Times that 'the Angela comeback arc will be long, and we wait to see whether it will bend towards justice'.
Allies of the Ashton-under-Lyne MP have confirmed that discussions about a memoir are underway, citing 'lots of interest in her writing a book'. However, they emphasised that 'nothing was set in stone' and it's understood that she hasn't begun writing yet.
Tax Scandal Fallout
Ms Rayner's political career suffered a significant setback in September when she was forced to resign after admitting she hadn't paid approximately £40,000 in stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside property in Hove, East Sussex. The former housing secretary and deputy prime minister referred herself to the prime minister's standards watchdog following the admission.
Speaking in the House of Commons for the first time since her resignation in late October, Ms Rayner described recent weeks as 'incredibly tough on my family'. She acknowledged that 'all of us in public life know all too well the toll of the intense scrutiny we face places on our loved ones'.
The MP insisted she believes in 'the highest standards of transparency and accountability', describing this as 'the price we pay for the privilege of service'. She explained that her tax situation resulted from 'a complex tax position' involving 'parents of a disabled child with a trust who divorce and seek different properties'.
Political Comeback Prospects
Despite the scandal, several Labour MPs - including Health Secretary Wes Streeting - have called for Ms Rayner's return to government. Her resignation triggered a wider reshuffle of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's top team, leading to Lucy Powell being elected as Labour's new deputy leader.
Ms Rayner has long been seen as an outspoken voice on the Labour Left, and there has been persistent speculation about her potential leadership ambitions. She secured more than 50% of final round votes from Labour members when elected deputy leader in 2020, demonstrating significant support within the party.
Although she has previously stated she 'never' wants the top job, the memoir discussions suggest she may be reconsidering her political future. The book could serve as both a personal account and a political platform as she navigates her way back from recent controversies.
Ms Rayner has committed to paying the outstanding tax, stating: 'There is no excuse not to pay taxes owed, and I will do so. This was an honestly made mistake, but when you make a mistake, you take responsibility.'
