Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that his former deputy, Angela Rayner, will make a return to the cabinet following her resignation last year. Starmer described Rayner as "hugely talented" and expressed his sadness at her departure from government.
Resignation Over Stamp Duty Breach
Rayner stepped down from her role as deputy prime minister in September after the prime minister's ethics adviser concluded she had breached the ministerial code. The investigation centred on the underpayment of stamp duty on her £800,000 seaside flat.
Her resignation came as a significant shock within Westminster, as she had been widely viewed as a leading contender to eventually succeed Starmer, whose own public approval ratings have been low.
Starmer's Praise and Social Mobility Example
In an interview with The Observer on Sunday, Starmer was effusive in his praise for his former political ally. He highlighted Rayner's personal background, noting she had her first baby at 16 and was raised on one of Stockport's poorest council estates.
The Prime Minister stated she is the finest example of social mobility "this country has ever seen". When asked if he missed her presence in government, Starmer replied, "Yes, of course I do. I was really sad that we lost her. As I said to her at the time, she's going to be a major voice in the Labour movement."
Confirmed Return to Frontline Politics
Pressed directly on whether Rayner would re-enter the cabinet, Starmer gave a clear and affirmative answer: "Yes. She's hugely talented." This confirmation ends months of speculation about Rayner's political future and signals a significant rehabilitation following the stamp duty scandal.
The announcement is a major development in UK politics, reintegrating a key figure from the Labour party's left wing back into the heart of government. Her return is likely to be seen as an effort by Starmer to unite different factions within the party ahead of future challenges.
