Angela Rayner hints at future leadership bid as she condemns Labour infighting
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has refused to rule out running for Labour leader, sparking renewed speculation about her potential successor to Keir Starmer. The 44-year-old politician, who stepped down from her role as housing secretary last year amid controversy over underpaid stamp duty, appears determined to revive her public profile in the coming months.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, Rayner condemned the "arrogant tittle-tattle" and infighting that dominated the past week. While denying any plans to challenge Starmer, she hinted at a potential leadership bid should circumstances change after the May elections.
Those close to Rayner suggest that the impact on her family was significant in making her reconsider her future in politics, with one source stating that "nonsense" about her plotting an imminent challenge.
Rayner's comments have reignited hopes among some Labour MPs that she could be a potential successor to Starmer. Her decision to join the Tribune group of soft Labour MPs, led by former cabinet minister Louise Haigh, has also raised eyebrows as it is seen as a way for her to increase her influence within the party.
The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has been accused by some allies of plotting to challenge Starmer, leading Rayner to defend him and call off speculation about potential leadership challenges. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, also called on Labour to focus on the real issues facing the country, saying that the recent infighting was "mortifying" and warned against forgetting the privilege of being in government.
As Labour's leadership crisis continues to simmer, Rayner's comments suggest she remains a force to be reckoned with. While her future plans remain unclear, one thing is certain: she will not go away quietly.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has refused to rule out running for Labour leader, sparking renewed speculation about her potential successor to Keir Starmer. The 44-year-old politician, who stepped down from her role as housing secretary last year amid controversy over underpaid stamp duty, appears determined to revive her public profile in the coming months.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mirror, Rayner condemned the "arrogant tittle-tattle" and infighting that dominated the past week. While denying any plans to challenge Starmer, she hinted at a potential leadership bid should circumstances change after the May elections.
Those close to Rayner suggest that the impact on her family was significant in making her reconsider her future in politics, with one source stating that "nonsense" about her plotting an imminent challenge.
Rayner's comments have reignited hopes among some Labour MPs that she could be a potential successor to Starmer. Her decision to join the Tribune group of soft Labour MPs, led by former cabinet minister Louise Haigh, has also raised eyebrows as it is seen as a way for her to increase her influence within the party.
The health secretary, Wes Streeting, has been accused by some allies of plotting to challenge Starmer, leading Rayner to defend him and call off speculation about potential leadership challenges. The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, also called on Labour to focus on the real issues facing the country, saying that the recent infighting was "mortifying" and warned against forgetting the privilege of being in government.
As Labour's leadership crisis continues to simmer, Rayner's comments suggest she remains a force to be reckoned with. While her future plans remain unclear, one thing is certain: she will not go away quietly.
ugh another party drama... so angela rayner thinks it's time 2 revamp her public image after that whole stamp duty debacle 
but honestly can't she just focus on doing her job instead of stirring up drama? 
it's getting old how these politicos use "infighting" as an excuse 4 their own lack of content 
anyway, rayner thinks she's gonna challenge starmer now? 
good luck with that...
. First, it was the stamp duty scandal, now this leadership bid nonsense... what's next? She's just trying to revive her career by stirring up drama and infighting within the party. And don't even get me started on her family situation - I'm sure that's all just a convenient excuse for her to step down from her role. Meanwhile, Starmer is probably counting his days until she inevitably makes a move... sigh 
i mean, i get it, the infighting has been a bit much lately... 
but this could be a major shakeup in the party. personally, i think she's got some great points about keeping the party focused on what really matters to voters. and let's be real, who wouldn't want angela rayner at the helm? 
the tribune group thing is also interesting... it shows she's not afraid to take a stand and assert her influence within the party. fingers crossed for some much-needed unity! 
sometimes you gotta shake things up before progress can happen 
also gotta give it to wes streeting for defending his own back 
may elections can't come soon enough! 
Shabana Mahmood's also making some good points about focusing on real issues instead of getting caught up in petty squabbles.
Angela Rayner's comments in that interview were pretty on point though 
. And what's with all the speculation about who's going to challenge Keir Starmer next? 
. It's just so... Labour 
.
I feel like they need someone who can unite the party and focus on real issues, you know? This infighting is really bringing down their credibility. 
Angela Rayner seems like a strong contender, but we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out. One thing's for sure, though - as a parent, I want my kids to grow up in a country with good governance and stability 
, but now she's hinting at a potential leadership bid... that's some sneaky stuff 
. I'm not saying I trust her or anything, but you can't deny the fact that she's still got game 
. And what's with all these rumors about Wes and Shabana trying to take each other down? It's like they're playing a game of politics basketball 
... who knew the home secretary could dunk like that 
. Anyway, we'll see what happens now... will she finally decide to shut up or keep stirring the pot 
Think about it, sometimes you gotta shake things up before they can really grow. I'm not saying Angela Rayner will definitely run for Labour leader, but she's giving us a chance to consider what it means to have leadership with some real teeth 
I'm so over this drama, can't it just calm down already? 
. It's clear she's not done with politics just yet, and I gotta say, I kinda respect her for keeping it real 
. The whole thing about her family taking a hit from the controversy is really interesting - can't help but wonder if that's a big factor in her potential future move 
!