Keir Starmer has expressed his desire to see Angela Rayner reinstated in the Cabinet before the upcoming general election.
The Prime Minister hinted at missing the former Deputy PM and mentioned that he continues to have regular conversations with her. During the G20 summit, Mr. Starmer told reporters of his intention to bring Angela back, emphasizing her significant role in the Labour movement.
Highlighting Angela’s remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to the position of deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Starmer praised her as a prime example of social mobility in the United Kingdom.
When asked about his feelings regarding her absence, the PM affirmed his friendship with Angela, stating that they maintain frequent communication and emphasizing the value of having her around.
Angela Rayner stepped down from her roles as Housing Secretary, Deputy PM, and Labour’s deputy leader in September following revelations of underpaying stamp duty on her Hove property.
The PM’s ethics chief, Sir Laurie Magnus, confirmed that Angela had breached the ministerial code by underpaying £40,000 in tax on her East Sussex property, although acknowledging her integrity and commitment to public service.
In her resignation statement issued last month, Angela Rayner acknowledged the tax issue, vowed full cooperation with HMRC, and emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for mistakes.
In a recent interview with the Sunday Mirror, Angela Rayner reaffirmed her continued engagement in politics, expressing humility towards the support received from the people of Ashton-under-Lyne. She highlighted her focus on addressing child poverty, advocating for fair pay agreements, and ensuring the full implementation of the Employment Rights Bill.