May 14, 2026, 10:33May 14, 2026, 10:33
She was still holding Keir Starmer in her arms, now she wants to replace him: Angela Rayner.Image: keystone
Former British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has put herself into play as a possible successor to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Amid speculation about an impending resignation of Health Minister Wes Streeting and a motion of no confidence in Starmer in the caucus, Rayner hinted she might throw her hat in the ring for Starmer’s post.
Tax allegations against Rayner cleared
The Labor politician emphasized in an interview with the Guardian that she would do her part when asked whether she would run as an opponent to Starmer and other challengers. However, she stressed that she had no intention of bringing about the vote herself.
Rayner resigned from her position as deputy prime minister and housing minister last September after it emerged that she had paid too little property transfer tax. The difference has now been paid and she has been cleared of the suspicion of tax evasion, the Guardian reported.
Starmer rejected calls to resign
The politically troubled Prime Minister and leader of the Social Democratic Labor Party Keir Starmer has been under massive pressure since his party’s election debacle last week. Labor had disastrous results in local elections in England and regional elections in Wales and Scotland. The right-wing populists from Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, who are also leading in nationwide surveys, were particularly able to benefit from this.
Starmer has so far rejected calls for his resignation. However, things are simmering in his group. According to media reports, the number of MPs required for a motion of no confidence has been reached. Health Minister Wes Streeting belongs to the right wing of the party. Angela Rayner, on the other hand, is considered to belong to the left-wing camp. (sda/dpa)