Angela Rayner will showcase her abilities as a “political street fighter” before any possible challenge to Sir Keir Starmer, according to her allies, as she makes her way across the country campaigning in the lead-up to the local elections over the next month.
The former deputy prime minister is expected to visit numerous areas before the May elections, lending her support to Labour candidates as they canvass door-to-door.
Rayner's associates stated that she is eager to assist, yet this campaign effort will likely serve as a chance to remind the party of her political capabilities ahead of any future leadership contests.
Starmer is anticipated to face significant losses at the polls, with some forecasts suggesting that Labour could lose more than 1,000 seats.
On Tuesday, sources close to Rayner refuted claims that she had given up alcohol to bolster her leadership standing. The Daily Mail reported insights from Rayner's friends indicating she had significantly reduced her drinking since the year's start, with some suggesting she had quit entirely.
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Rayner was seen enjoying a glass of white wine at a recent speech in Westminster, which was interpreted as her presenting herself as a potential challenger to Starmer.
Following a break over Easter, Rayner is expected to resume campaigning in the coming weeks. Her supporters believe her straightforward approach and working-class background resonate well with voters, offering an advantage in any leadership contest.
Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, resigned as deputy prime minister and deputy Labour leader in September after an ethics investigation found she had breached the ministerial code concerning her failure to accurately pay taxes on a property acquisition.
Nonetheless, she has remained active on the backbenches, expressing that Labour is “running out of time” to fulfill its promises for change.
A supportive MP remarked, “Being out there canvassing will showcase Angela as she truly is—a political street fighter capable of connecting with the electorate.”
Another MP, from the softer left faction of the party, added, “While canvassing in a mainly Conservative area of the constituency, two households told me they’d vote Labour again if Angela Rayner were our leader.”
They acknowledged that probably an equal number of voters might be deterred by the idea, but continued, “I suspect part of her strategy is to remain engaged, signaling ‘I’m still here, working for the party,’ and she does it with a more cooperative spirit than some others; plus, she’s very popular with activists.
“She’s keeping herself visible, reminding people of her talents, and I’d be astonished if most MPs wouldn't want her hosting a fundraiser—it’s not something we can say about many of our front benchers.”
The primary hurdle for Rayner in launching any formal leadership challenge is the ongoing HMRC investigation into her tax affairs, but her allies are increasingly confident that the investigation could wrap up before the elections.
Rayner is disputing allegations that she failed to pay adequate stamp duty on the purchase of her £800,000 flat in Hove, East Sussex.
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Initially, she denied any wrongdoing when reports emerged last May of her flat purchase.
She had listed it as her primary residence rather than a second home, thus allowing her to pay a reduced duty of £30,000 instead of £70,000.
However, independent legal advice, funded by Labour at the time, concluded she should have paid the higher rate due to having sold her 25% stake in her family home in Greater Manchester to a trust for her disabled son, yet still being considered to have an interest in it.
The Times has learned that she subsequently received legal advice indicating that she did not need to pay the higher stamp duty rate. This advice has been provided to HMRC, highlighting “complexities” regarding the trust.
Rayner has neither declared intentions to run for leadership nor entirely ruled out the possibility. Speculation suggests she might consider a leadership move after the local elections, should Labour perform poorly, with one supporter claiming she could secure backing from 80 MPs by then.
Crime & Courts Correspondent
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