UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Deputy PM Angela Rayner ruled out aiming for Keir Starmer’s job, stressing her focus on public service and calling the prime minister’s role too demanding.
As reported by The Independent, Angela Rayner ruled out ever becoming prime minister, warning the role would age her by a decade in just six months.
What did Angela Rayner say about becoming PM?
The deputy prime minister joked,
“Have you ever seen a prime minister after a year or two in government?”
Following Keir Starmer’s narrow escape from a Commons defeat over the welfare rebellion, Angela Rayner was asked if she intended to step up as leader.
She replied,
“Not a chance. It would age me by 10 years within six months, it does, anyone who has been prime minister, it is a very challenging job.”
With doubts growing over Keir Starmer’s future after a turbulent first year, she backed the prime minister. Ms Rayner said he was “doing the job for Britain” and pointed to the challenges faced since entering Number 10.
She stated,
“He’s been all around the world trying to repair the relationships in Europe. We’ve got the trade deals that the previous government wasn’t able to do, tackling things like the tariffs that the president in the US wanted to put onto the UK, which would have damaged our economy again.”
Ms Rayner said,
“There’s a lot going on, and the prime minister’s been […] here, there and everywhere, doing the job for Britain.”
When asked if she aspired to be prime minister in the future, Ms Rayner gave a firm reply, “No.”
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted her interest in workers’ rights and council housing, describing them as issues she cares about “passionately.”
Mr Rayner added,
“I’m very interested in delivering for the people of this country, because … to be elected as an MP from my background was incredible. Having that opportunity to serve my community that has raised me, looked after me, and given me opportunities, I don’t forget that. And to be deputy prime minister of this country … it’s got to count for something.”
What did Professor Sir John Curtice say about Sir Keir’s first year?
Sir John Curtice, a leading analyst, labelled Sir Keir’s first year in office as “the worst start for any newly elected prime minister” in recent history.
He said the Prime Minister was
“never especially popular” and that “the public still don’t know what he stands for.”
Mr Curtice added,
“Labour only won 35 per cent of the vote – the lowest share ever for a majority government. Keir Starmer was never especially popular, and the public still doesn’t know what he stands for. The only vision he’s really presented is: ‘We’ll fix the problems the Conservatives left us.’ But it’s not clear how he wants to change the country.”
What did Sir Anthony Seldon say about Sir Keir’s start compared to Liz Truss?
Sir Anthony Seldon argued that Liz Truss, despite her brief seven-week tenure, performed better than the current Labour leader.
He said,
“Not in 100 years has anyone made such an inept start coming into the (role) with so little idea about what he is doing (and) why he is doing it.”
According to him, Mr Starmer took office without engaging with previous leaders or clarifying his vision.
Mr Seldon added,
“Show people that you are prime minister, show people you’ve got a story, show people things are getting better across the whole country with growth and then that will deal with Reform.”