Sir Keir Starmer has affirmed that Angela Rayner, whom he describes as “hugely talented,” will return to the cabinet, following her previous resignation amidst a tax-related controversy.
Rayner stepped down from her role as deputy prime minister in September after reports emerged concerning unpaid stamp duty on a £800,000 flat in Hove.
An investigation later concluded that she had “acted with integrity,” though her failure to obtain appropriate tax advice regarding the property purchase was deemed to have fallen short of ministerial standards.
In an interview with The Observer, the prime minister emphasized her continuing significance, stating she remains a “major voice in the Labour movement.”
Sir Keir highlighted Rayner’s background, noting her upbringing in poverty and departure from school at age 16, calling her “the best social mobility story this country has ever seen.”
When asked if he missed her, he reportedly said: “Yes, of course I do. I was really sad that we lost her.”
When further questioned about her potential return to the cabinet, he responded: “Yes. She’s hugely talented.”
These remarks are notably more definitive than his previous statements regarding Rayner, who also held positions as deputy Labour leader and housing secretary.
At a G20 summit last month, Sir Keir told broadcasters that he “absolutely” wished for her to return to government “at some stage.”
Lucy Powell, another former cabinet minister, succeeded Rayner as deputy Labour leader following an election among party members.
Since her resignation, Rayner has largely maintained a low profile in the political arena, with limited public appearances. Aside from her resignation statement, she has only spoken once in the House of Commons since leaving her government positions.
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP, who played a key role in shaping the government’s employment rights bill, was expected to propose an amendment to the legislation next week, following concerns that ministers had diluted its new provisions against unfair dismissal.
However, following discussions with Business Secretary Peter Kyle, she agreed to withdraw the proposed change, which aimed to implement the new right a year earlier than currently planned.
Speaking on Sky News, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden acknowledged Rayner’s “enormous talent” and expressed his support for her return, while also stating that the final “decision [is] for the prime minister.”
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