Keir Starmer on Angela Rayner
Keir Starmer appointed Angela Rayner to a key role as his Deputy Leader of the Labour Party following his victory in the 2020 leadership election. This initial placement indicated a high degree of trust and political partnership between Starmer and Rayner, as she was instrumental in helping him move the party towards the political centre.
However, their close working relationship experienced a significant rupture in September 2025 when Angela Rayner resigned from her government post following a tax scandal. This event directly precipitated a cabinet reshuffle and a leadership election for the Labour deputy role, placing Starmer in a challenging political position just before local elections.
In response to the crisis caused by the scandal, Starmer was forced to manage the political damage, which included the subsequent cabinet reshuffle and dealing with internal party criticism over governance standards. While Starmer resisted an immediate challenge to his own leadership, the events surrounding Rayner's exit became a catalyst for increased scrutiny of his premiership.
Context
Angela Rayner held the position of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer, making her his official second-in-command and a crucial figure in the government's domestic agenda. Her role as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Economy and Investment meant her policy work was central to Starmer's mission of 'national renewal.'
The political significance of Rayner's relationship with Starmer is highlighted by the severity of the political crisis caused by her September 2025 resignation. The ensuing instability directly tested Starmer's command of the Labour Party as he navigated calls for greater accountability regarding his government's conduct.
Timeline
- Angela Rayner was elected as the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, serving alongside Keir Starmer.
- Upon becoming Prime Minister, Keir Starmer appointed Angela Rayner as the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Economy and Investment.
- Angela Rayner resigned from her cabinet position due to the 'Angela Rayner tax scandal,' leading to a party deputy leadership election and a cabinet reshuffle for Keir Starmer.
- Following Rayner's resignation, Starmer's leadership faced increased criticism, with some MPs viewing the situation as a catalyst for a potential leadership challenge against him.
Criticism
Criticisms of Starmer's leadership became more prominent following Angela Rayner's September 2025 resignation over the tax scandal, suggesting concerns over governance.
MPs reportedly viewed the political fallout from the scandal as a potential catalyst for a leadership challenge against Starmer.