Angela Rayner delivered a scathing critique of Sir Keir Starmer's leadership during a speech to Labour activists on Tuesday night. According to multiple reports, Rayner warned that the 'very survival of the Labour Party is at stake' and criticized government policies, particularly on immigration.
Key Takeaways
Angela Rayner delivered a scathing critique of Sir Keir Starmer's leadership during a speech to Labour activists on Tuesday night. She warned that the 'very survival of the Labour Party is at stake' and criticized government policies, particularly on immigration.
- Angela Rayner warns Labour Party faces existential threat under Starmer's leadership
- Criticizes immigration reforms as 'un-British' and a 'breach of trust'
- Allies confident HMRC tax probe will be resolved before May elections
- Andy Burnham backs Rayner's criticism, suggesting party should listen to her concerns
- Speculation grows about potential leadership challenge amid Labour Party setbacks
The former deputy prime minister did not name Starmer but claimed that the government had failed to deliver the change people wanted. She argued that Labour was perceived as representing the establishment rather than working people. Rayner's speech, described by BBC as 'arch, barbed, punchy and unflinching,' reignited speculation about a potential leadership challenge.
Rayner also criticized Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's migration plans, which aim to double the time it takes for migrant workers to qualify for permanent residence. She described the proposals as 'un-British' and a 'breach of trust,' stating that moving the goalposts on indefinite leave to remain undermines fair play.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester and a potential rival in any leadership contest, backed Rayner's criticism. He suggested that the party should listen to her concerns, according to The Guardian. Meanwhile, Downing Street declined to comment on Rayner's remarks ahead of Prime Minister's Questions.
Rayner's intervention comes amid growing frustration within the Labour Party following recent electoral setbacks. Some MPs have privately expressed surprise at her opposition to the government's immigration policies, while others suggest it is a strategic move to firm up support from 'soft left' MPs. However, Rayner's tax affairs remain unsettled, raising questions about her eligibility for a leadership bid.
According to The Guardian, allies of Angela Rayner are increasingly confident that the HMRC investigation into her tax affairs will be resolved before the May local elections. This resolution would pave the way for her full return to frontline politics. Rayner is on course to make about £100,000 from speaking engagements and her memoir, which would cover her outstanding tax bill.
Sky News reports that Rayner's allies are clear that she would not engineer a scenario to oust Starmer or directly challenge him. However, she would consider running if MPs triggered a race, with one ally suggesting that if the May elections prove disastrous, there could well be 81 MPs prepared to call for his resignation and trigger a contest.
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