Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his support for Angela Rayner’s return to frontline politics, following her resignation as deputy prime minister and housing secretary last month.
Speaking to LBC, Starmer said Rayner had paid a heavy price for her mistake and praised her journey from a difficult upbringing to one of the highest offices in government. “If you talk about social mobility, there is no greater story than Angela Rayner. I was very proud of that,” he said. “She made a mistake. She’s paid a heavy price, and I’ve always thought she will be a major voice again in the Labour movement.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also called for Rayner’s return during his speech at the Labour Party’s annual conference, saying the government “needs Ms Rayner back.” Starmer agreed with the sentiment, noting the broad support she has received from across the political spectrum.
Although Rayner was absent from the four-day event in Liverpool, she remained a key presence. David Lammy, who replaced her as deputy prime minister, led a standing ovation after praising her legacy. Steve Reed, the new housing secretary, described her as “a true working-class hero.”
In a message to conference attendees, Rayner thanked her colleagues and reaffirmed her commitment to Labour’s mission. “I’m sad not to be alongside you all in Liverpool this year, but I’m with you in spirit and will continue fighting for working people,” she said.
The race to elect Rayner’s successor as deputy Labour leader is ongoing, with several senior ministers reportedly eyeing the role.
Recall, Rayner stepped down after it was revealed she had underpaid stamp duty on a property purchase in Hove and had been blamed for her failure to pay a £40,000 stamp duty bill on the purchase of the second home, in East Sussex . The breach, confirmed by ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, was found to have violated the ministerial code, triggering a significant Cabinet reshuffle.
