Sir Keir Starmer has definitively stated that Angela Rayner will return to his Cabinet, describing his former deputy as “hugely talented” and “the best social mobility story this country has ever seen.” Rayner had resigned in September from her roles as deputy prime minister, housing secretary, and deputy Labour leader after an independent ethics probe, led by Sir Laurie Magnus, found she had breached the ministerial code. The breach stemmed from her underpayment of stamp duty on a seaside flat, though Magnus noted she had “acted with integrity” despite failing to get sufficient advice on the property taxes.

In an interview with The Observer, the Prime Minister expressed his regret over her departure, stating, “Yes, of course I do. I was really sad that we lost her. As I said to her at the time, she’s going to be a major voice in the Labour movement.” When pressed specifically about her return to Cabinet, Sir Keir unequivocally replied, “Yes. She’s hugely talented.” This statement marks a more definitive stance than previous comments, such as his letter in September where he acknowledged she would remain a “major figure in our party” but did not explicitly mention a government return, unlike his clear invitation for Tulip Siddiq to return to the frontbench after her resignation.

The possibility of Rayner's return has drawn varied reactions. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, during Prime Minister's Questions, argued that any return should be contingent on Rayner paying back the “£40,000 of property taxes she avoided.” Meanwhile, there has been speculation linking Rayner to potential efforts to remove Starmer, particularly if Labour's performance is weak in upcoming elections, and reports of a possible “joint ticket” for the Labour leadership with Health Secretary Wes Streeting. However, a source close to Rayner refuted such claims, asserting “there is no vacancy and there is no pact,” while Sir Keir himself has firmly insisted on his intention to remain leader through the next election, referencing his track record of defying skeptics regarding the party's transformation and electoral success.

Sir Keir also addressed the nature of criticism faced by female politicians, including Ms Rayner and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, suggesting that misogyny has played a part. He noted, “All politicians get quite a lot of abuse these days but for women it’s always worse.” Since her resignation, Rayner has maintained a low profile, even dropping a planned amendment to the workers’ rights bill she had championed in government after discussions with Business Secretary Peter Kyle.