Politics

Angela Rayner Seen as ‘Credible’ Successor Amid Growing Labour Tensions

Published on May 22, 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is increasingly being positioned as a “credible” alternative to Sir Keir Starmer, as internal tensions within Labour grow and concerns mount over the Prime Minister’s popularity among backbench MPs.

Allies of Rayner say she recognises the need to create distance between herself and Starmer’s more controversial policies, particularly ahead of the next general election. One close associate reportedly told The Times that Rayner does not want the “blood” of unpopular decisions on her hands.

This comes amid the fallout from a leaked internal government memo, in which Rayner is alleged to have urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider raising taxes instead of cutting public spending. The memo also included proposals such as restricting migrants’ access to the state pension and increasing the NHS surcharge for visa holders.

Although Rayner’s team denies involvement in the leak, the timing has fuelled speculation about her strategic ambitions. One Labour source said: “Angela has been loyal in public but she knows she needs to distance herself from some of the unpopular policies.

“Starmer is not under any kind of threat now, but if things have not improved closer to the next election, that could change. Angela is ambitious and she needs to be credible if she is to present herself as the candidate of the left. This is something people are talking about.”

Another insider added: “Angela has significant backing not only within the parliamentary Labour Party but also among Labour members, and she would undoubtedly win a leadership contest if there was a vacancy.

“It’s a strategic oversight by No 10 not to tap into her experience, expertise and insights.” A government spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the memo’s authenticity, stating simply: “We don’t comment on leaks.”

Meanwhile, speculation over the source of the leak has intensified. A Labour source suggested that figures close to Rayner may have been behind the release of the memo, suggesting it was a calculated move to signal her divergence from No 10 and No 11.

“She clearly wants to differentiate herself,” the source said. “Keir and Rachel have been joined at the hip, so Angela’s people must want to signal she’s fighting against No 10 and No 11, even if it’s internally.”

With Labour’s internal dynamics under increasing scrutiny, the developments underscore Rayner’s growing influence—and the possibility of a future leadership challenge if Starmer’s grip on the party weakens.