Keir Starmer Expresses Desire for Angela Rayner’s Cabinet Return

Sir Keir Starmer has publicly stated his desire for former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to return to the Cabinet. This announcement, made during a press conference at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, follows Ms Rayner’s resignation over a significant tax oversight involving a £40,000 stamp duty on her recent £800,000 home purchase. Starmer’s remarks highlight both his personal friendship with Rayner and the political implications of her potential return.

When asked about Ms Rayner’s future in politics, Starmer affirmed, “I’m friends with Angie and I like Angie a lot and we talk a lot. We still do. It’s always good to have Angela. I’ve always said I want Angela back.” His comments suggest that he views her as a valuable asset to the Labour Party, despite the challenges she has faced.

Starmer’s desire for Rayner to rejoin the Cabinet is notable given her previous position as Housing Secretary and her status as a prominent figure within the Labour movement. He emphasized her exemplary rise from a challenging background to Deputy Prime Minister, stating, “I think she is the best example ever in the United Kingdom of social mobility.” This statement underscores his belief in her potential to inspire and lead within the party.

Rayner’s resignation has not diminished her presence in the political landscape. Recently, she hinted at a possible return to front-line politics, asserting that she had “not gone away.” Rumors suggest she may be working on an autobiography, further indicating her ongoing relevance in political discussions.

Polls conducted by Survation for LabourList reveal a precarious situation for Starmer, indicating that several potential leadership challengers, including Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband, and Wes Streeting, would likely outperform him in head-to-head contests. This backdrop heightens the significance of Starmer’s support for Rayner, as it may reflect his strategy to solidify his leadership within the party.

In addition to these political dynamics, Rayner has recently faced scrutiny regarding her spending habits while in office. Reports emerged that she purchased a £2,500 super-king bed for her residence at Admiralty House, funded by taxpayer expenses. Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized this decision, stating, “Spending nearly £3,000 of taxpayers’ money on a bed is hardly consistent with her image as a woman of the people.”

In response to the controversy, a Cabinet Office spokesman clarified that the bed was not specifically chosen at Rayner’s request and that she had brought her own bed when moving into the residence. This statement aims to mitigate the backlash against her spending choices.

As the Labour Party navigates internal challenges and public scrutiny, Starmer’s call for Rayner’s return may signal an attempt to unify the party and bolster its image ahead of the next General Election. The dynamics between these two political figures will remain a focal point as the Labour Party prepares for future electoral contests.