Angela Rayner made her first public appearance since her resignation as deputy Prime Minister, smiling while greeting a friend in Manchester. The MP was seen enjoying her time in Ashton-under-Lyne, while her Labour colleagues gathered in Liverpool for the party’s annual conference, reports BritPanorama.
Wearing large sunglasses and a black hoodie, Rayner embraced a companion, marking a stark contrast to the political tension at the Labour Party conference where discussions of leadership challenges emerged.
Sir Keir Starmer, now facing dissent among some Labour members, appeared with his wife, Victoria, at the event, where expectations and pressures are palpable. Sources reveal that discontented MPs are voicing their desires for change, with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham being urged to mount a leadership challenge against Starmer.
Rayner’s resignation stemmed from revelations about her financial dealings, specifically her acquisition of a third property in Hove. Reports indicated she had underpaid stamp duty tax on the flat by £40,000, raising questions about the transparency and accountability expected from high-ranking officials.
The political landscape remains charged as Labour seeks to navigate internal disputes while preparing for broader electoral challenges. The consequence of Rayner’s exit highlights the intricate and often contentious nature of governance, especially amid mounting expectations from both constituents and party members.