Angela Rayner has made a striking comeback to the government by joining Andy Burnham’s core team at No10 during his inaugural Cabinet meeting.
Previously known as Labour’s Red Queen, Ms. Rayner has resumed her role in the government as the Housing Secretary after stepping down from a similar position in Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, in addition to her roles as Labour’s deputy leader and deputy prime minister, due to tax-related issues last year. HMRC has since cleared the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne of any misconduct.
Earlier this year, she was seen meeting with Mr. Burnham in Greater Manchester, indicating her support for his No 10 aspirations. A self-proclaimed socialist, Ms. Rayner advocated for Labour’s workers’ rights agenda in her prior cabinet post.
The return of the former Deputy PM to government follows a period of speculation about a potential leadership challenge.
Ms. Rayner assumed the position of Housing, Communities, and Local Government Secretary after the general election and championed the significant Employment Rights Act. A popular figure within the party’s left wing, she criticized Shabana Mahmood’s immigration policy reforms as “un-British,” although she will need to align with the government’s stance upon her return. She also reportedly cautioned Keir Starmer against appointing Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador in 2024.
In the latest Cabinet reshuffle, Lucy Powell, the new Education Secretary, was the first to enter the scene less than 24 hours after several of Starmer’s allies were relegated to the backbenches. John Healey, the new Chancellor, reclaimed his seat at the top table shortly after resigning as Defence Secretary. He criticized Rachel Reeves and Mr. Starmer, blaming the Treasury for inadequate defense funding. He now oversees the department, while Wes Streeting, who resigned in protest against Mr. Starmer’s leadership last month, resumed his former role.
Ed Miliband attended his first Cabinet meeting as Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood retained her position as Home Secretary following recent asylum system reforms. Yvette Cooper transitioned to the Health Secretary role in the latest wave of changes.
Key returnees to the Cabinet include Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Louise Haigh and Education Secretary Lucy Powell, alongside newcomers Anneliese Midgley and Energy Security Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who are aligned with Mr. Burnham.
The newly appointed Prime Minister, emphasizing significant reforms for the UK, vowed to instill hope in the nation during his inauguration. He highlighted the importance of instilling belief and optimism in Britain.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, and Pat McFadden, who leads the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), maintain their previous roles.
The recent Cabinet meeting marked the absence of Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Peter Kyle, and Liz Kendall, who were removed by Mr. Burnham in his initial actions as Prime Minister, alongside Starmer’s allies Steve Reed and Lord Richard Hermer.
On his first day, Mr. Burnham pledged to address rough sleeping, aiming to prioritize compassion and integrity in governance.
In a bid to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis, the government announced an £850 million tax reduction on energy bills, effective from October 1. This initiative, partly financed by discontinuing Mr. Starmer’s digital ID project, is intended to provide financial relief to households.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of giving people breathing room by reducing taxes on energy bills, thereby boosting disposable income and restoring hope. Mr. Healey emphasized the significance of the energy tax cut in easing financial pressures on families and curbing inflation while supporting households nationwide.