Could Starmer bring back Rayner to steady ship – and would she get onboard?
There is growing speculation that Keir Starmer may bring Angela Rayner back into the cabinet amid anticipated poor Labour performance in upcoming local and devolved elections, though her return depends on the resolution of an ongoing HMRC investigation and her willingness to rejoin the government. Rayner has maintained influence since resigning last September over a stamp duty issue, balancing public loyalty with high-profile policy interventions that have both aided and challenged the government. While Starmer has expressed openness to her return, questions remain about whether she would accept a role and whether her ambitions might extend to a potential leadership challenge.
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Angela Rayner and and Keir Starmer on the election trail in May 2024. Photograph: Toby Melville/ReutersView image in fullscreenAngela Rayner and and Keir Starmer on the election trail in May 2024. Photograph: Toby Melville/ReutersAngela RaynerAnalysisCould Starmer bring back Rayner to steady ship – and would she get onboard?Peter Walker, Aletha Adu, Pippa Crerar and Kiran StaceyFormer deputy PM has walked a line between loyalty and interventionism since resigning last SeptemberThu 30 Apr 2026 04.00 EDTShareIt is nearly eight months since Angela Rayner quit the cabinet because of her tax arrangements, but some might argue her influence on the government has not gone away.
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