Angela Rayner Hints at Political Comeback Amid Labour By-Election Turmoil
The political landscape within the Labour Party has been stirred by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who has strongly hinted at a potential return to frontline politics. Her comments come at a time of significant internal discord, following the controversial decision to block Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing in an upcoming by-election.
"I'm Not Dead Yet": Rayner's Defiant Stance
According to reports from The Times, Ms Rayner made her remarks during a private fundraising dinner held last week. The former housing secretary, who resigned from her roles in September after a stamp duty controversy involving an £800,000 flat in Hove, reportedly stated that Labour "should be humble enough to accept when we've made mistakes." She emphasised the need for improvement, adding, "We should do better, and we should do more."
In a clear signal of her political ambitions, Ms Rayner declared, "And I'm still fighting. I'm not dead yet." This statement is being widely interpreted as a strong indication of her desire to re-enter the political fray. Allies have suggested to The Times that approximately 80 MPs are prepared to support her in any potential future leadership contest, particularly if one arises after the elections in May.
Labour's Internal Division Over Burnham Block
The backdrop to Ms Rayner's comments is a deepening rift within the Labour Party concerning the exclusion of Andy Burnham from the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. A group of 50 MPs and peers have signed a letter protesting the decision, arguing there was "no legitimate reason" for the move. The blocking action was executed by a ten-member panel of the party's ruling National Executive Committee, which includes Sir Keir Starmer.
However, Communities Secretary Steve Reed has maintained that the matter is "done and dusted," indicating the party leadership's firm stance on the issue. This internal conflict highlights the ongoing tensions and power struggles within Labour as it navigates its electoral strategy.
By-Election Landscape and Candidate Announcements
As Labour undergoes its selection process for the Gorton and Denton constituency, other political parties are mobilising their campaigns. Reform has announced that GB News presenter and former academic Matt Goodwin will be its candidate. Meanwhile, the Workers Party of Britain, led by former MP George Galloway, has selected Shahbaz Sarwar, a councillor representing Manchester's Longsight ward, as its contender.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski led a campaign rally in the constituency, though the party has yet to formally announce its candidate. Notably, some Green Party campaign material appears to have misspelled the constituency's name, adding a minor yet notable element to the pre-election dynamics.
Broader Implications for Labour's Future
Ms Rayner's expressed desire to help Labour "do battle with Reform" underscores the strategic challenges facing the party. Her potential comeback, coupled with the internal dispute over candidate selection, points to a period of significant recalibration for Labour. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ms Rayner can translate her hinted ambitions into a tangible political resurgence and how the party manages its internal cohesion ahead of crucial electoral tests.
