Lizzy Buchan, the Mirror’s Political Editor, has been closely covering Westminster since 2017, focusing on areas such as work, trade unions, child poverty, defense, and foreign policy. If you have any tips, feel free to contact her via email.
Angela Rayner, known as a political fighter, has climbed the political ladder from humble beginnings through hard work, intuition, and strong personality traits. Unlike many politicians who try to showcase their working-class roots, Rayner authentically embodies this background. Growing up in severe poverty on a Stockport council estate, she faced challenges like teenage pregnancy and leaving school without formal qualifications.
Transitioning from a care worker to a trade union representative, Rayner eventually entered Parliament in 2015. Described by Keir Starmer as an exceptional British success story, she has also weathered significant opposition, particularly from the right, who struggle to accept a working-class woman’s achievements.
However, recent revelations concerning her tax matters go beyond mere political attacks and may prove difficult to overcome. While Rayner has been vocal in criticizing Tory corruption, her own tax discrepancies, notably in property taxes, now expose her to charges of hypocrisy, alienating voters who earn less than the reported £40,000 shortfall on her stamp duty payment.
The situation complicates matters for Rachel Reeves, the Housing Secretary, as it raises questions about her ability to advocate for tax policy changes effectively. Rayner has disclosed personal details, such as her disabled son and divorce, in an attempt to address these issues, emphasizing the complexities of family life and attributing any oversights to honest mistakes.
Despite her popularity within the Labour Party, Rayner’s future remains uncertain, pending the outcome of an investigation led by independent adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, who advises the Prime Minister. Keir Starmer faces a challenging decision on whether to continue supporting Rayner, a crucial figure in his political strategy, as this situation presents one of his toughest tests yet.