The PM has promised Angela Rayner will be a “big voice” in the future and will return to frontline politics “at the right point” – vote in our poll to let us know what you think
Keir Starmer has this week promised Angela Rayner will be a “big voice” in the future and will return to frontline politics “at the right point”.
The Prime Minister has praised his former deputy, who was forced to resign over a tax row in September, for helping Labour get elected and for her landmark employment rights laws.
Mr Starmer echoed a comment allegedly made by Ms Rayner to a group of Labour MPs that she is “not dead yet”.
Asked about her remark, the PM said: “I’ve always said that Angela has not only played a big part in Labour politics in our country’s politics, but has got a big part to play in the future.
“That’s not new. I said that on the day that she stepped down, and I don’t doubt that that’s true. She’s certainly not dead yet. She’s got a huge contribution to make, and I look forward to her making it.”
READ MORE: Keir Starmer hints at major Angela Rayner comeback with three-word vow
Pressed on whether she will be back round the Cabinet table, Mr Starmer told Times Radio: “I would like to have Angela back at the right point. I’ve always been clear she has a future role to play. She’s a fantastic asset for the Labour Party.
“She played a huge part in the achievement that we got at the last election; getting elected, we’ve just passed the Employment Rights Act, which has got her fingerprints all over it.”
At a fundraising dinner last month, Ms Rayner reportedly said: “You’ll remember when I was a young whippersnapper. I’ve come through the ranks and had the honour and the privilege to get us into government and become your deputy prime minister. And I’m still fighting. I’m not dead yet.”
Ms Rayner resigned in September after admitting not paying enough stamp duty on her seaside home in Hove. She currently faces an HMRC probe. Allies of the former Housing Secretary have complained that the slow pace of the investigation is pushing back her political comeback.
In September, Ms Rayner was forced to quit after the PM’s ethics chief Sir Laurie Magnus ruled she had broken the rules by underpaying stamp duty by £40,000 on her seaside home in Hove, East Sussex.
The rapid probe said she had “acted with integrity and with a dedicated and exemplary commitment to public service” – but found she had breached the ministerial code.
In her resignation statement, Ms Rayner said HMRC has her “full cooperation”, adding: “There is no excuse not to pay taxes owed, and I will do so. This was an honestly made mistake, but when you make a mistake you take responsibility.”
Keir Starmer continues to face demands to bring back Angela Rayner – but what do you think? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.