Angela Rayner emphasized the importance of boldness for the Labour Party, pledging to use all her efforts to make a positive impact on people’s lives in her first public statement following her resignation. Despite her change in title, the former Deputy PM expressed her unwavering commitment to upholding her socialist values in the Parliament. Reflecting on the challenges faced in recent weeks, she acknowledged the personal toll it took on her family due to intense public scrutiny.
Having stepped down as Housing Secretary, Deputy PM, and Labour’s deputy leader last month for underpaying stamp duty on her property in Hove, Angela Rayner was found to have breached the ministerial code by Ethics Chief Sir Laurie Magnus. While accepting responsibility for the oversight, she assured full cooperation with HMRC to rectify the tax discrepancy.
Highlighting her accomplishments in government, including advancing the Renters’ Reform Bill and Employment Rights Bill, Rayner expressed pride in her contributions to bolstering tenants’ rights and worker protections. Undeterred by criticism, she lauded the imminent passage of the Employment Rights Bill as a significant achievement in enhancing workers’ rights.
Asserting Labour’s strength in bold actions, Rayner acknowledged the pivotal role of trade unionists in driving progress, particularly in advancing workers’ rights. Emphasizing the historical impact of Labour governments in championing social justice, she underscored the ongoing mission to empower working people through legislative reforms.
Closing her remarks, Rayner reiterated the fundamental purpose of elected office as a platform to positively impact lives, stressing her unwavering dedication to advocating for meaningful change regardless of her position within the political hierarchy.