Rayner ‘working constructively’ with Starmer amid Labour reshuffle rumours
A
ngela Rayner has insisted she continues to play a constructive position in main the Labour Party, amid hypothesis that Sir Keir Starmer might swap a few of her tasks in a reshuffle.
The deputy Labour chief, who was elected by the social gathering membership alongside Sir Keir, described their relationship as an “arranged marriage” which has advanced over time.
Newspapers have speculated in current months that Ms Rayner might lose a few of her duties within the shadow cupboard as Sir Keir plans a closing reshuffle earlier than the following basic election.
Me and Keir each know that we want a Labour authorities and we want that change on this nation
But The Times reported final month that Ms Rayner may very well be provided a brand new position overseeing the shadow levelling up group, as a part of a wider ranging temporary similar to that held by former Labour minister Lord Prescott.
Mr Rayner at present serves as shadow minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, shadow secretary of state for the way forward for work, and deputy chief of the official Opposition, alongside her position as deputy Labour chief.
Asked by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about Labour’s dedication for the following election, Ms Rayner mentioned the social gathering’s “values remain exactly the same” regardless of it showing to have softened many coverage proposals in current months.
She added: “Mine and Keir’s relationship has evolved as well. I often talk about it as an arranged marriage. We were both elected by the membership differently and independently.
“We have worked constructively together and we continue to do so, because me and Keir both know that we need a Labour government and we need that change in this country.”
Pressed about whether or not she might even see her tasks change in an Opposition reshuffle, Ms Rayner mentioned: “The important thing is that I will be the deputy prime minister and I will be the deputy leader of the Labour Party, so actually the important job is around supporting Keir as the leader.
“To me, the important job is getting into Government and then delivering, and wherever that is and however I use my skills within that, I am happy to do that.
“It is an absolute honour and a privilege to be an MP for my constituency, and to be on the front bench, and to do the job I am doing, and to be His Majesty’s Government would be an incredible honour, and I take that seriously and would do whatever it takes to improve the lives of British people in whatever role that is.”
The Ashton-under-Lyne MP sought to downplay comparisons between the present Labour management and Sir Tony Blair and his deputy prime minister Lord Prescott, who was seen as a contrasting determine together with his chief.
Ms Rayner instructed Times Radio: “Keir is no Tony Blair and I am no John Prescott. We are in a different era and me and Keir are very clear on we have got to deliver change for people. People need to have hope into the future now.”