Angela Rayner

Angela Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister, is currently a prominent backbencher whose recent criticisms of Keir Starmer's government have made her newsworthy. She has publicly voiced concerns about the direction of the Labour party under Starmer, particularly regarding proposed changes to immigration policy. Rayner believes these changes, which would make it harder to achieve settled status in the UK, are 'un-British' and has intervened, prompting Starmer to consider softening their impact. Her outspokenness has garnered support from figures like Andy Burnham, who suggests Labour should heed her warnings. Rayner's critique centers on the perceived lack of progress in delivering reforms and the risk of declining public support, emphasizing the urgency for the government to demonstrate its ability to enact meaningful change. Her actions highlight internal tensions within the Labour party and her continued influence as a voice for a different approach.