London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Housing Minister has introduced significant reforms to empower mayors with extensive control to bypass planning delays
MoreAngela Rayner is a British Labour politician and former trade union official, born on March 28, 1980, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. In 2015, she was elected as the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in Stockport, England. Rayner has since served as the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Shadow Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities since 2023.
Rayner’s political career began as a care worker and union representative, rising to the position of Unison’s convenor in the North West, representing 200,000 workers. She has been actively involved in addressing social-economic changes, pledging to build more affordable and social housing, emphasizing Labour’s commitment to providing the most significant boost to social housing “in a generation”. Rayner has also been vocal about Labour’s economic strategy, describing it as a “sh*t or bust” approach that involves taking risks to drive economic progress and change.
In 2015, Rayner faced controversy over her tax affairs and alleged electoral law breaches, known as “Project Red Rose.” She was accused of failing to pay the correct amount of tax on the sale of her council house in Stockport for a profit of £48,500 and potentially violating electoral laws. The investigation into these allegations was initiated by Greater Manchester Police following information provided by the Conservative Party. Rayner has stated her intention to step down if any wrongdoing is uncovered.
Despite the controversy, Rayner has been recognized with prestigious awards for her political contributions. She received the “Politician of the Year” award from the Patchwork Foundation for promoting diversity in 2018, the Stonewall “Politician of the Year” award for her LGBTQ+ advocacy in 2020, the British Muslim Awards “Politician of the Year” for fostering interfaith dialogue in 2021, the BAME Labour Awards “Politician of the Year” for promoting diversity in 2022, and the Women in Public Life Awards for advancing gender equality in 2023.
Recently, Rayner has criticized the Conservative Party’s handling of leveling up and exploitation of voter hopes. Rayner has also been subject to scrutiny over her tax affairs, but she has denied any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, there have been growing calls for political commentator Andrew Neil to adopt a more constructive and less confrontational approach in his commentary.
London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The Housing Minister has introduced significant reforms to empower mayors with extensive control to bypass planning delays
MoreIn a speech delivered by Angela Rayner as part of the “Building a Fairer Society” project in Manchester on September 15, 2022, she emphasized the urgent need to construct a fairer and more just society. Rayner stated, “We need to ensure that every individual, irrespective of their background or circumstances, has equitable access to high-quality education, healthcare, and social care.” She highlighted the importance of addressing societal inequalities and promoting inclusivity, reflecting her dedication to creating a more equitable future for all members of society. Through this project, she aimed to promote policies and initiatives that would address the root causes of inequality and promote greater inclusivity and opportunity for all.
On December 15th, 2022, at the House of Commons in Westminster, Angela Rayner delivered a speech where she called for an end to the Tory government’s cruel policies on child poverty and homelessness. According to the latest figures, over 4 million children in the UK are living in poverty, with many experiencing food insecurity and going hungry. Meanwhile, homelessness continues to rise, with over 200,000 people in England alone living without a permanent home. Rayner criticised the government’s cuts to Universal Credit and the lack of investment in affordable housing, exacerbating the shortage of homes for those in need. She stated, “It is a national scandal that in the 21st century, we have children going to bed hungry and people sleeping on our streets.” Rayner’s address underscored the urgent need for action to combat the crisis of child poverty and homelessness in the UK.
At the TUC conference in Liverpool on April 20, 2023, Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, delivered a powerful message to working people in the UK, stating, “We will be the party that delivers for working people, the party that puts their interests first, and the party that stands up for their rights.” Rayner’s statement resonated with the audience, receiving applause and cheers. Her history of advocating for workers’ rights, including opposition to zero-hours contracts and the gender pay gap, underscores the sincerity of her commitment. Criticising the Tory government’s policies on child poverty and homelessness, Rayner’s pledge to address economic challenges the Labour Party’s dedication to creating a fairer society for all.
Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, delivered a speech at the TUC conference in Liverpool on September 23, 2023, calling for an end to the scandal of zero-hours contracts, fire-and-rehire, and the gender pay gap. Rayner emphasised the need to ensure that workers have access to secure, well-paid work and that employers are held accountable for their actions. She condemned fire-and-rehire as a disgraceful practice that has no place in society and advocated for pay equality, stating that the gender pay gap is a scandal that has gone on for too long. Rayner’s commitment to social justice and workers’ rights was evident throughout her speech, reaffirming the Labour Party’s dedication to championing the interests of working people and advocating for a fairer, more equitable society.
On October 1, 2023, at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool’s Convention Centre, Deputy Leader Angela Rayner delivered a powerful message on the need for a more democratic political system. Rayner stated, “We need to build a political system that truly represents the interests of ordinary people, where their voices are heard and their views are taken into account. Too often, the voices of ordinary people are drowned out by the powerful and the privileged.” She proposed reforms such as proportional representation, devolution of power to local communities, and the establishment of a citizens’ assembly to empower ordinary citizens in decision-making. Rayner’s call for transparency and accountability resonated with attendees, highlighting the importance of a system that truly reflects and serves the people.
On 2 June 2015, at the UK Parliament in London, Angela Rayner, the Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, delivered her maiden speech. She emphasized the transformative power of empowered communities and the crucial role of social structures like Sure Start centers and trade unions. Rayner shared her personal experiences of growing up in poverty, underscoring the importance of strong communities in uplifting the vulnerable. During her speech, Rayner stated, “I stand here not as a polished politician, but as a working-class woman who knows the reality of what it’s like to be up against it.” Her address resonated with authenticity and a deep commitment to advocating for social justice and community empowerment.
On March 1, 2022, at the Labour North Conference in Newcastle, Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, delivered a speech addressing the Ukrainian crisis following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The event unfolded amidst escalating tensions as Putin’s forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Rayner’s poignant words resonated as she stated, “The Labour Party has always stood for democracy, freedom, and the triumph of right over wrong.” She highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders and the government’s resolute stance for freedom. Rayner affirmed the UK’s collaboration with NATO allies to de-escalate the conflict and impose severe sanctions on Putin, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of his actions.
April 5, 2022, during a heated session in the House of Commons, Angela Rayner delivered a powerful speech addressing the sexist allegations aimed at her. She stated, “I will not be distracted by baseless attacks on my character. Sexism has no place in politics.” This event marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight against sexism and misogyny in politics, as Rayner stood firm against gender-based discrimination. Her speech emphasized the importance of focusing on substantive issues, highlighting the need to combat sexism and misogyny in political discourse. Rayner’s words resonated with many, setting a strong example for women in politics and inspiring a call for respect and equality.
Angela Rayner delivered a speech at the Labour’s National Annual Women’s Conference, held at ACC Liverpool on 12th March 2022. She addressed the challenges faced by women, emphasizing empowerment and highlighting success stories from underprivileged backgrounds. Rayner announced plans for a New Deal for Working People, tackling issues like unfair pay and sexual harassment. Quoting suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, she stressed the importance of women’s presence in positions of power, saying “We have to be there at the top, you can’t get into the heads of the men in power unless women are there too”. Rayner’s speech underscored Labour’s commitment to gender equality and the need for concrete action to empower women and build a more inclusive society.
Angela Rayner delivered a speech in the House of Commons on June 7, 2022, during the “Ministerial Code Integrity and Accountability” event. She emphasized the importance of the Ministerial Code, stating, “Integrity and accountability are the cornerstones of public service.” The event provided a platform for Rayner to advocate for upholding high standards in public life, and she urged the Government to implement the recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life report promptly. The event highlighted the need for transparency and ethical conduct in government, with Rayner’s address setting a tone of responsibility and integrity in public service.
In her closing speech at the Labour Party Conference on September 28, 2022, held in Brighton as part of the annual party conference event, Angela Rayner, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, expressed her admiration for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a Belarusian activist, and emphasized the Labour Party’s support for her cause. Rayner, who has been active in the Labour Party since her youth, highlighted the importance of the party’s traditions, such as the Durham Miners’ Gala and the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, and expressed her hope to do justice to the legacy of John Prescott, a former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Rayner’s speech served as a reminder of the Labour Party’s commitment to its values and traditions, as well as its support for social justice and democracy, both in the United Kingdom and abroad. She stated, “Let us stand in solidarity with those fighting for democracy and human rights, both at home and around the world.”
Angela Rayner delivered her acceptance speech at Labour’s National Annual Women’s Conference in Liverpool on October 7, 2023. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and the need to combat inequality. Rayner stated, “We will not rest until every woman has the opportunity to succeed, and we have created a society where no one is held back by their gender.” The event was held in Liverpool, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, and brought together women from across the country to discuss key issues and policies affecting women. Rayner’s speech was a highlight of the conference, inspiring and empowering women to take action and work towards a more equal society.
On October 8, 2023, at the TUC Conference in Brighton, Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, emphasized the need for a Labour Government to prioritize better living standards for all and create a different kind of economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. The conference, themed “A New Deal for Working People,” focused on the importance of transforming people’s lives and creating a lasting legacy for every child in the country. Rayner’s speech was part of the Labour Party’s efforts to reaffirm its commitment to social justice, workers’ rights, and a more equitable society. The conference was attended by trade union leaders and activists, who expressed their support for the Labour Party’s vision for a better future for all. Rayner stated, “We need to build a society where everyone can thrive, not just survive. That means transforming our economy, so it works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”
Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in the UK, abstained from a vote on a Gaza ceasefire in November 2023, citing the need for Hamas to release Israeli hostages and for more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant displacement of Palestinians, with hundreds of thousands seeking shelter in Rafah, a city in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Rayner has expressed her understanding of the concerns of colleagues who have resigned due to the party’s stance on Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and has emphasized the importance of getting aid into Gaza and bringing about a ceasefire. The Labour Party has been under pressure from its MPs to take a firmer stance on the issue, with nearly a quarter of them publicly calling for a ceasefire. The party has been advocating for humanitarian “pauses” in bombing, which would allow for aid to enter, civilians to flee, and hostages seized by Hamas to be released. However, Rayner has been criticized for her response to a question about whether genocide is being committed in Gaza, stating that she does not know.
Angela RaynerPersonal Information | |
Full Name | Angela Bowen |
Birthday | 28 March 1980 (age 44) |
Spouse | Mark Rayner (m. 2010; Sep. 2020) |
Number of Children | 3 |
Position | Shadow Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom |
Political Party | Labour Party |
Education | Stockport Academy, Stockport College |
Political Career | |||
Position | Term | Preceded by | Succeeded by |
Shadow Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom | 4 September 2023 | Harriet Harman (2015) | |
shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities | 4 September 2023 | Lisa Nandy | |
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party | 4 April 2020 | Tom Watson | |
Chair of the Labour Party | 5 April 2020 – 8 May 2021 | Ian Lavery | Anneliese Dodds |
Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator | 5 April 2020 – 8 May 2021 | Ian LaveryAndrew Gwynne | Shabana Mahmood |
Member of Parliamentfor Ashton-under-Lyne | 7 May 2015 | David Heyes |