UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK PM Keir Starmer faces criticism from ex-adviser Matthew Torbitt, who believes Deputy PM Angela Rayner could become PM in the next 12 months.
As reported by GB News, a former Labour insider said Angela Rayner could replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister within the year.
What did ex-Labour adviser say about Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner?
Matthew Torbitt slammed the Prime Minister, declaring, “He’s awful. He’s less popular than anyone you can think of.”
He said,
“I think Angela Rayner will be Prime Minister next year, I’m fairly certain of that. Keir Starmer will go.”
Mr Torbitt said public feeling on Mr Starmer is divided, stating,
“People are either a bit ambivalent towards him and they don’t know what he stands for, or they go, ‘I can’t stand him’.”
He highlighted concerns over Labour’s leadership style, adding,
“There’s no real love or meet in the middle with him. It’s very bland.”
Mr Torbitt issued a stark warning about Labour under Keir Starmer’s leadership,
“I think we’ll lose Wales and Scotland next year.”
The ex-adviser urged Labour members to accept what he sees as an inevitable conclusion. He remarked,
“You’ve got to look at the writing on the wall and go, ‘yeah, we’re not going to win with you in charge.’”
During the interview, he shared his long-standing friendship with Ms Rayner, saying, “I’ve known Angela for many years.”
Ms Rayner could emerge as the party’s next leader, but not by choice, according to the former adviser.
“I don’t think she wants it,” Torbitt said, noting pressure from trade unions and key figures.
What did Matthew Torbitt say about Andy Burnham’s role in Labour’s future?
Describing him as Labour’s possible lifeline, Mr Torbitt pointed to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as the leader who could rescue the party from electoral decline.
He added,
“The only one who could really save Labour is Andy Burnham because he’s not tied to any of the unpopular decisions that we’ve made that weren’t in the manifesto. He’s popular across all the spectrums.”
What did GB News hosts say about Angela Rayner vs Kemi Badenoch?
GB News anchor Anne Diamond cast doubt on Mr Burnham’s acceptance in Labour, saying,
“He’s a Blairite though, and that won’t go down very well with the rest of the party.”
During the segment, co-host Stephen Dixon suggested that Angela Rayner may challenge to Kemi Badenoch than others in Labour.
He added,
“Angela Rayner would be more of a threat to Kemi Badenoch too, wouldn’t she? Whether you agree with her or whatever, she’s a character that makes Kemi Badenoch look very bland, whatever your politics.”
What did Angela Rayner say about becoming PM?
Angela Rayner has ruled out any plans to become Prime Minister or lead the Labour Party, stating “never.”
She said,
“No, I’m very happy and honoured to be Deputy Prime Minister of this country, and I’ve got a lot in my in-tray to prove that I can do the job that I’m doing and deliver on the milestones for the people of this country. I’m absolutely focused on working with the PM and the cabinet. This is the honour of my life.”
Ms Rayner has built her political career on her working-class background, having left school at sixteen after becoming a teenage mother.
What did Angela Rayner say about the leaked memos inquiry?
Angela Rayner said,
“I think there’s one under way, and quite rightly so, because leaks are very damaging. It’s really damaging, because we have lots of sensitive conversations in the round, all of us, and then we make a collective decision.”
She added,
“As a matter of principle, I will continue to have those conversations with our government on how we can bring down the cost of living for working people, support children out of poverty, build the houses we said we’re going to do and protect our borders and security.”