Keir Starmer is reportedly offering Angela Rayner a return to the cabinet in a bid to head off a leadership challenge, as pressure mounts following Labour's poor election results. Rayner, the former deputy prime minister, issued a statement calling the decision to block Andy Burnham from returning to parliament a 'mistake' and demanding a change in direction.
In her statement, Rayner said: 'This is bigger than personalities, but it is time to acknowledge that blocking Andy Burnham was a mistake. We must show we understand the scale of change the moment calls for - that means bringing our best players into Parliament.' She added that 'policy tweaks will not fix the fundamental challenges facing our country' and urged Starmer to 'meet the moment'.
Labour backbencher Catherine West has issued an ultimatum for the prime minister to set out a timetable to resign by Monday, or she will launch a leadership challenge. About 40 MPs have already called on Starmer to step down. Meanwhile, allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting say he is prepared to run for leader if Starmer's premiership collapses, but will not make the first move.
Starmer is expected to give a key speech on Monday to set out his vision, with allies acknowledging it must be the 'speech of his political life' to keep Labour MPs onside. However, some MPs are concerned about the chaos a contest could unleash and prefer a change closer to the next general election.
Rayner also criticised the 'toxic culture of cronyism' in politics, citing the Peter Mandelson appointment as US ambassador, and called for action on 'dodgy money' in politics, referencing Nigel Farage's £5m gift from a crypto billionaire. Labour's historic defeat has been blamed on inadequate action to address public concerns.
