Labour civil war as Angela Rayner ‘plots to overthrow Keir Starmer’ in shock comeback | UK | News
Angela Rayner is reportedly planning to oust Sir Keir Starmer in an audacious leadership bid. A source said the former Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Minister was working to gain the support of MPs, adding: “The unions will support him and help him.”
Ms Rayner is said to be “paying homage” by offering Labor members Cabinet roles in return for their support. He is currently part of the center-left Tribune pressure group, which could be used as a leadership tool for a future candidate. The group currently has 70 members but is expected to reach 100.
As reported by TelegramMs Rayner was forced to step down from her roles in September, but is now ready for a dramatic comeback. Some members of the Labor Party prefer him as their leadership candidate over other candidates such as Health Minister Wes Streeting.
It comes after Clive Lewis became the first Labor MP to call for Andy Burnham to replace Keir Starmer. But an early leadership contest would favor candidates like Ms Rayner and disadvantage candidates like the Mayor of Manchester.
But a source close to Ms Rayner described the claims as “complete nonsense”. They added that the Ashton-under-Lyne MP was “focused on representing his local community”.
Latest polls show satisfaction with the Prime Minister is the lowest recorded since 1977. Meanwhile, satisfaction with Chancellor Rachel Reeves is at its lowest level since 1976, just a month before the Autumn Budget is published.
Mr Lewis, MP for Norwich South, told Channel 4: “As the Prime Minister once said, we have to put country before party. And frankly, we have to put party before personal ambitions. “I don’t see how this can falter without any solution on the horizon.
“And I think the Labor Party, the Labor grandees, the men in the gray suits, are now really thinking seriously about: how can we bring Andy Burnham back into the parliamentary Labor Party and let him be the next Prime Minister? That’s my personal view. I know it won’t be shared by everyone, but I don’t see any other option.”
A source close to Ms Rayner said: “This is complete nonsense and absolutely false. Amidst all the exciting and silly games, Angela is focused on representing her local community and ensuring the priorities she champions in Government are fully delivered.”
