Angela Rayner has been exonerated of any intentional misconduct in a probe into her tax affairs, potentially setting the stage for a leadership bid. As Health Secretary Wes Streeting gears up to challenge the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer’s former deputy has not ruled out entering any race but clarified she would not instigate one.
There are strong indications that the Health Secretary may be on the verge of launching a leadership challenge, with a close associate hinting at his resignation. Moves to remove the PM were in progress within the party, with Wes Streeting’s supporters reportedly canvassing MPs for backing.
The aftermath of a challenging King’s Speech failed to quell the escalating discontent within the party. Numerous MPs have demanded Starmer’s resignation, and four Government ministers, including Jess Phillips, have stepped down and urged him to step aside.
Speculation swirls around Andy Burnham, with his backers asserting that he could reveal an MP willing to vacate their seat for him to contest as early as today. The Chancellor has announced intentions to unveil strategies to aid families and businesses grappling with the repercussions of the Middle East conflict in the upcoming week.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has cautioned about the threat to “economic stability” amidst the expected challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership. Official data indicates a 0.3% growth in the UK economy in March and a 0.6% growth in the first quarter of this year, signaling a slowdown from the previous month and suggesting the Middle East conflict’s impact is starting to take effect.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, a potential rival to Starmer, revealed that she has been cleared by HMRC of any misconduct regarding her tax affairs. The Mirror’s Assistant Political Editor highlights the significance of Rayner’s exoneration and its implications for the leadership race and other contenders.