Angela Rayner has confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has cleared her of deliberate wrongdoing in a probe into her tax affairs, removing a major obstacle to a potential Labour leadership bid. The former deputy prime minister told the Guardian and ITV that the investigation into her stamp duty underpayment, which led to her departure from government, had "clipped her wings" but she now feels free to play her part in delivering change.
Rayner's Position on Leadership
Ms Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, did not rule out standing in any future leadership contest but stressed she would not "trigger" a race against Sir Keir Starmer. She told ITV she would not make a pact with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to challenge the prime minister, saying: "I'm not doing deals or anything like that." Her clearance comes as Sir Keir faces what is expected to be a formal leadership challenge from Health Secretary Wes Streeting later today.
Streeting's Expected Move
Allies of Mr Streeting have confirmed to The Independent that he intends to resign to trigger a leadership election. The health secretary had a 16-minute showdown with the prime minister on Wednesday morning at Number 10. Political editor David Maddox writes that Sir Keir could reassert his authority by sacking Mr Streeting preemptively, but has so far failed to do so.
Labour MPs Warn Against Contest
Moderate Labour MPs are urging Mr Streeting not to start a contest, warning he would lose to a left-wing candidate. Luke Akehurst, MP for North Durham, said: "Wes is a huge talent" but "I would urge him not to throw the party into further chaos by resigning." Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, added: "Wes can't win the membership."
Starmer's EU and Defence Stance
Meanwhile, Sir Keir used a Commons exchange to advocate for closer EU relations, saying it is in the UK's economic, national, and defence interests to be closer to Europe. He said he would "navigate carefully" regarding Northern Ireland sensitivities. On defence, he confirmed the investment plan is "being finalised and will be published soon."
King's Speech and Political Fallout
The King's Speech on Wednesday outlined 37 bills, but the political focus remains on the leadership crisis. Jonathan Brash became the first Labour MP to call for Sir Keir to step down in the Commons, saying the prime minister can no longer provide hope. Reform UK's Richard Tice labelled Sir Keir the "most unpopular" prime minister ever.
Speculation about Andy Burnham's return to Westminster was dismissed by MPs Afzal Khan and Jeff Smith, both denying plans to stand down. The Greater Manchester mayor is seen as a potential contender but lacks a parliamentary seat.
