Angela Rayner's Notting Hill Soirée Fuels Leadership Speculation
For Angela Rayner, Labour's self-proclaimed champion of the working classes, last week's opulent dinner in Notting Hill represented a stark departure from her humble beginnings on a Stockport council estate. The host was Matthew Freud, the influential PR svengali and power-broker, great-grandson of Sigmund Freud and nephew of artist Lucian Freud, who welcomed guests to his multi-million-pound townhouse.
According to one attendee, Freud introduced Rayner as someone "very likely to be the next prime minister," though he has since denied making such a statement. What remains evident is that Rayner, far from retreating after last year's tax controversy where she resigned from Cabinet over stamp duty underpayment on her £800,000 seaside home, is now being celebrated within London's most exclusive social circles.
Strategic Moves in Parliament and Beyond
At Freud's gathering, the 45-year-old Rayner, dressed in a striking white shirt and red coat, reportedly socialised late into the evening with figures from media, publishing, and finance. This comes as she makes little secret of her intentions to mount a left-wing challenge against Sir Keir Starmer's government. Following a dramatic Commons debate on Peter Mandelson, Rayner told colleagues she "will be ready" to act if Starmer falters.
Her parliamentary intervention, where she threatened to vote with Conservatives to force oversight of Mandelson's ambassador appointment documents, was described as one of the most jaw-dropping power plays in recent memory. This move humiliated the Prime Minister and, in the view of many Labour MPs, accelerated his political decline.
Prior to this, Rayner had "set up shop" in the Commons tea room, enjoying a modest lunch of chicken and chips while surrounded by allies. Her boyfriend, Sam Tarry, was simultaneously maneuvering through the parliamentary estate on her behalf.
Building Momentum and Alliances
Rayner's strategy extends beyond Westminster. Next week, she is scheduled to address the Night Time Industries Association, where she is expected to advocate for VAT cuts in hospitality—a position that would clash with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has resisted broader industry bailouts. Friends of Rayner claim she feels no loyalty to Starmer or Reeves, citing unequal treatment during their respective scandals.
This sentiment is echoed by close ally Louise Haigh, former Transport Secretary, who resigned after a fraud conviction came to light without the same Downing Street support Reeves received. Haigh's involvement with the Tribune group of soft-Left Labour MPs could prove crucial in backing any Rayner leadership bid.
Such a shift could lead to a government further left than Starmer's, with potential roles for Net Zero advocate Ed Miliband as Chancellor and Rayner's friend Rosena Allin-Khan replacing Wes Streeting at Health. A Rayner spokesperson has stated these claims are "not recognised."
Financial and Political Preparations
Momentum behind Rayner has grown since Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was blocked from a by-election candidacy. Initially expected to support Burnham as deputy, Rayner's allies now emphasize she is "her own woman" aiming to lead independently. This signals to Health Secretary Wes Streeting that he must overcome Rayner to achieve his prime ministerial ambitions.
Recent reports indicate Rayner has secured over £1 million in a "war chest" for her leadership campaign, wining and dining donors at her seaside retreat. She has also established The Office of Angela Rayner Ltd for business earnings, while supporters allege HMRC is prolonging its tax investigation to hinder her rise. Rayner has distanced herself from criticism of HMRC, respecting their process.
The investigation remains a concern, but allies hope for exoneration and reduced penalties. If Starmer falls before HMRC reports, Rayner may be compelled to enter the race. Her time out of government has reportedly boosted her appeal, distancing her from administration failures and allowing her to court MPs, donors, and party members.
Looking Ahead
Rayner is said to have more than the 81 MP signatures needed to trigger a contest, with party members favouring her over Streeting. Friends describe her mission as preventing Nigel Farage from entering Downing Street, while Farage views her as a formidable opponent. In her resignation letter, Rayner reflected on her journey from a Stockport council estate to high office, and with Starmer's administration crumbling, she stands poised to advance further, potentially shifting government leftward.
