Angela Rayner attacks Keir Starmer over migration reforms
Angela Rayner has launched her strongest public attack on Sir Keir Starmer yet, condemning his migration reforms as “un-British,” reports BritPanorama.
The former Deputy Prime Minister expressed concerns that Labour was “running out of time” to deliver on its promises and had come to be viewed as “the Establishment” party. This criticism follows a period of relative silence from Rayner since her resignation from the government amid a tax scandal, as she pledged to adopt a more vocal stance.
Rayner’s critique specifically targeted Labour’s proposal to extend the residence requirement for migrants seeking permanent residency from five years to ten. Addressing left-wing activists, she accused Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of “moving the goalposts.”
Branding the reforms “un-British,” she stated, “Many people came here to Britain on the understanding that if they’ve worked in the sectors where we needed them, obeyed the law and paid their taxes, that they could stay. If we suddenly change that, it pulls the rug from under those that have planned their lives and commitments.”
Rayner emphasized that not only would such a change constitute poor policy, but it would also represent a breach of trust with those who contribute to the economy and society.
Downing Street reportedly fears that Starmer might face a leadership challenge following the upcoming local elections in May, where Labour is anticipated to suffer significant losses. Rayner is considered a frontrunner to challenge Starmer, appealing to the left wing of the party.
Following her resignation, Rayner has not resolved her tax issues with HMRC regarding non-payment of stamp duty on her Brighton property, amounting to an estimated £40,000 owed. Meanwhile, Mahmood, though seen as a potential rival, has garnered criticism within the party due to her hardline approach to immigration.
Additionally, the political landscape has become increasingly contentious, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressing disappointment over being blocked from standing in a recent by-election. He voiced concerns about the implications of such decisions for Labour’s prospects in upcoming elections, describing the situation as indicative of how the party is currently managed.
Starmer acknowledged his mistakes but asserted his resolve to lead Labour into the next election, stating, “I won the leadership of the Labour Party when people said I wouldn’t… and now I intend to change the country—whatever other people say.”
As Labour navigates internal discord and external pressures, Rayner’s vocal stance may reflect broader sentiments within the party, underscoring the challenges that lie ahead as it seeks to retain electoral support in a shifting political landscape.
In an era where trust and public perception are paramount, the decisions made by party leadership will be scrutinized closely. Rayner’s positioning may signal a renewed focus on Labour’s base, suggesting a pivotal moment in the party’s journey as it approaches the next electoral contest.
