Angela Rayner has made a remarkable comeback to the Government by joining Andy Burnham’s core team at No10 for his inaugural Cabinet session. Once known as Labour’s Red Queen, Rayner is now back on the front lines of the government as the Housing Secretary, a position she left in Sir Keir Starmer’s administration due to tax-related issues last year. Following clearance by HMRC, the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne is now back in a significant role in the government.
Earlier this year, Rayner was seen meeting with Mr. Burnham in Greater Manchester, indicating her support for his leadership aspirations. Identifying as a socialist, she previously advocated for Labour’s worker rights initiatives during her earlier cabinet tenure.
The return of the former Deputy PM to government comes after a period of speculation about a potential challenge to the leadership. Rayner now serves as the Housing, Communities, and Local Government Secretary, having spearheaded the Employment Rights Act in the past. Despite her opposition to Shabana Mahmood’s immigration policy changes, branding them as “un-British,” Rayner is expected to align with the government’s stance upon her return.
The latest Cabinet reshuffle also introduced new faces like Anneliese Midgley and Energy Security Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who are part of Burnham’s close allies. The new Prime Minister, who assumed office recently, has pledged significant transformations for the UK, emphasizing a renewed sense of hope for the nation’s future.
The government’s recent announcement of an £850 million tax cut on energy bills, effective from October 1, aims to alleviate the burden of the cost-of-living crisis. This initiative, partially funded by discontinuing Starmer’s digital ID project, is designed to provide financial relief to households, reflecting the administration’s commitment to supporting the public.
