Angela Rayner says Starmer should ‘reflect on’ stepping aside after HMRC clears her over tax affairs - UK politics live

Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC regarding her tax affairs, a development she stated should prompt Keir Starmer to "reflect on" stepping aside as Labour leader. Speaking to ITV, Rayner indicated her willingness to "play my part" should a leadership contest occur, though she denied making any pacts with other potential contenders like Andy Burnham. The political landscape in Westminster is anticipating a formal announcement from Health Secretary Wes Streeting regarding his own leadership bid, suggesting a potential shift from a speculative to a genuine contest. This situation arises following the resolution of Rayner's tax inquiries, which had previously cast a shadow over her political standing.