Angela Rayner declares ‘I’m not dead yet’ as supporters plot Starmer’s downfall
Angela Rayner has reportedly told supporters she is “not dead yet”, with the former deputy prime minister’s allies claiming she will have the support of the 80 Labor MPs needed to back her leadership bid.
He also said in a private speech at a fundraising dinner that Labor’s current leadership “must do better” and hinted at plans to return to government. Times.
His comments emerged just days after another of Sir Keir Starmer’s rivals was blocked from returning to Parliament by the prime minister, who blocked Andy Burnham from running in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection.
Ms Rayner resigned last year after admitting she did not pay enough stamp duty when buying the £800,000 seaside flat.
But the allies said Independent He would have the numbers needed to challenge Sir Keir for the leadership.
One Labor MP said: “Now Andy [Burnham] “Angela, who couldn’t get into parliament, became the obvious choice.” They added: “This can’t happen [health secretary Wes] Streeting is too right-wing.”
Another said: “I’m sure Angela can get the 81 MPs she needs. It depends on whether she wants it or not.”
They added: “I think the by-election will bring things forward. Angela should do that if Labor comes third. What’s the point of waiting until May 7?”
“There’s no doubt Wes’ people are planning the same thing. Instead of jumping now, it’s a matter of determining who jumps when.”
Ms Rayner also reportedly warned of the “dangerous” threat posed by Reform UK, promising: “I will not give the keys to Number 10 to Nigel Farage.” Labor is expected to have a series of disasters in May, which will raise new questions about Sir Keir’s future.
Speaking to activists at the event in central London last week, Ms Rayner reportedly thanked them for their commitment since she was elected MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015.
He said: “You’ll remember when I was a young madman. I rose through the ranks and had the honor and privilege of getting us into government and becoming your deputy prime minister. And I’m still fighting. I’m not dead yet.”
His allies estimate he will receive more than £1 million from donors if he stands for leadership and say he is trying to impress them with dinners at his flat in Hove. Times.
Ms Rayner has been making a series of speeches at events organized by Labor MPs. He will also speak at a reception next month hosted by Mainstream, a new Labor group co-founded by Mr Burnham.
A spokesman for Ms Rayner said: “Angela is indeed alive and well, but will not give in to ill-informed gossip or idle speculation.”
