Left-Wing Labour MPs Split on Angela Rayner's Future Amid Leadership Speculation
Left-wing Labour MPs are divided over Angela Rayner's potential bid for the party leadership amid growing speculation about Keir Starmer's position. Some MPs believe Rayner could garner enough support from Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, while others caution that her tax-related resignation diminishes her public appeal.
Currently, there is no active leadership plot; however, many MPs privately consider a challenge increasingly likely, requiring about 80 MPs to trigger a contest. Among other names suggested for a left leadership bid are Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Shabana Mahmood. Burnham is viewed by some as the left's preferred contender but is not an MP and could only stand if a seat opened. Streeting is regarded as a charismatic communicator, and Mahmood as taking a hard-line stance on immigration. Left-wing MPs emphasize that a change in leader alone would not be sufficient without a corresponding change in party direction.
Ed Miliband has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, though his prior public rejection of the idea is noted.
Angela Rayner's track record includes advocating for the Employment Rights Bill, renters' rights reforms, and influencing Starmer to soften planned welfare cuts. She resigned from her ministerial role after an ethics investigation concluded she had acted in good faith but breached the ministerial code by failing to obtain correct tax advice regarding a Brighton flat. She has self-referred to HMRC, with the investigation ongoing.
Keir Starmer has stated he would confront any leadership threats and expressed a desire for Rayner to return to the cabinet. Allies of Rayner insist she has no plans to attempt to remove him.
