Sir Keir Starmer Confirms Desire to Reinstate Angela Rayner in Cabinet
Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his strong desire to reinstate Angela Rayner in his cabinet role after her resignation. This declaration came during his attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa. Rayner stepped down following revelations that she failed to pay the required stamp duty on a property purchase, which saved her approximately £40,000.
Keir Starmer’s Return Plan for Angela Rayner
Starmer stated emphatically, “I absolutely want Angela back.” He emphasized that Rayner is a powerful symbol of social mobility, illustrating her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming the deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom. “She is the best example ever of social mobility,” he added.
Angela Rayner’s Career Highlights
Angela Rayner’s rise within the Labour Party has been noteworthy. Key points in her career include:
- Left school at age 16, pregnant, and without qualifications.
- Elected as deputy Labour leader in 2020.
- Served as deputy prime minister and housing secretary under Starmer.
- Resigned from all positions in September 2023.
Her resignation followed a tumultuous situation concerning her tax obligations on a second home in Hove, East Sussex. After a personal interview with Sky’s political editor, Rayner admitted to lapses in her tax payments.
Investigation and Reactions
An ethics investigation concluded that Rayner breached the ministerial code by not securing proper tax advice; however, it noted that she acted with integrity. Despite her resignation, she remains a backbench MP and has not dismissed the idea of a return to a frontbench role. She mentioned to the Daily Mirror, “I have not gone away.”
Support for Rayner’s Return
Other Labour Party members have rallied around Rayner. During the Labour Party Conference, Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised her contributions, particularly regarding the Employment Rights Bill, and stressed that Labour “wants her back and needs her back.”
As the political landscape evolves, Sir Keir Starmer’s ambitions for Angela Rayner’s reinstatement reflect broader themes of unity and progress within the Labour Party.
