Sir Keir Starmer has stated that Angela Rayner, his former deputy, will return to his Cabinet. Rayner had resigned from her positions as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader in September following an ethics probe that found she breached the ministerial code concerning the underpayment of stamp duty on a property.
Starmer expressed that he missed Rayner, describing her as "hugely talented" and "the best social mobility story this country has ever seen," and confirmed her return to Cabinet. This comes amidst earlier criticism, including a call from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for Rayner to repay £40,000 in property taxes she allegedly avoided.
Additionally, a source close to Rayner recently indicated she would not be manipulated into a deal concerning leadership bids, refuting reports of a potential joint ticket with Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Starmer also reaffirmed his commitment to remaining leader until the next election, emphasizing his track record of defying expectations.