Rayner ‘working constructively’ with Starmer amid Labour reshuffle rumours

The deputy Labour leader described their relationship as an ‘arranged marriage’ which has evolved over time.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with deputy leader Angela Rayner (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire)

Angela Rayner has insisted she continues to play a constructive role in leading the Labour Party, amid speculation that Sir Keir Starmer could swap some of her responsibilities in a reshuffle.

The deputy Labour leader, who was elected by the party membership alongside Sir Keir, described their relationship as an “arranged marriage” which has evolved over time.

Newspapers have speculated in recent months that Ms Rayner could lose some of her duties in the shadow cabinet as Sir Keir plans a final reshuffle before the next general election.

Me and Keir both know that we need a Labour government and we need that change in this country

Angela Rayner

But The Times reported last month that Ms Rayner could be offered a new role overseeing the shadow levelling up team, as part of a wider ranging brief comparable to that held by former Labour minister Lord Prescott.

Mr Rayner currently serves as shadow minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, shadow secretary of state for the future of work, and deputy leader of the official Opposition, alongside her role as deputy Labour leader.

Asked by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about Labour’s commitment for the next election, Ms Rayner said the party’s “values remain exactly the same” despite it appearing to have softened many policy proposals in recent 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 she may see her responsibilities change in an Opposition reshuffle, Ms Rayner said: “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 current Labour leadership and Sir Tony Blair and his deputy prime minister Lord Prescott, who was seen as a contrasting figure with his leader.

Ms Rayner told 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.”