Labour’s Angela Rayner emphasized the party’s strength lies in being daring and resolute, pledging to advocate fiercely for impactful change in her first public remarks post-resignation. Despite her altered role, the former Deputy PM affirmed her unwavering commitment to bring forth socialist values and dedication to the Parliament. Reflecting on recent challenging times, Rayner acknowledged the intense scrutiny on her personal life by the public.
Following her resignation from multiple positions, including Housing Secretary and Labour’s deputy leader, due to an oversight in paying stamp duty on her property, Rayner faced repercussions as per the ministerial code. Despite admitting the mistake and cooperating with HMRC for tax settlement, she underscored the importance of taking responsibility.
Highlighting her accomplishments in government, Rayner expressed pride in advancing initiatives like the Renters’ Reform Bill and the Employment Rights Bill. Despite facing opposition, she praised the imminent enactment of the Employment Rights Bill, aiming to enhance workers’ rights significantly. Rayner lauded the collaborative efforts with trade unionists in shaping groundbreaking legislation for the benefit of workers.
In a historical context, Rayner drew parallels to past Labour initiatives that championed working people’s rights, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to advocating for justice and fairness. She reiterated the essence of elected positions as opportunities to positively impact lives, vowing to wholeheartedly continue advocating for meaningful change regardless of her role in the political landscape.