Wes Streeting received a standing ovation during the Labour conference today for his commendation of Angela Rayner, stating, “We want her back.” Streeting emotionally credited Rayner, the former Deputy Prime Minister, for her efforts in establishing a fair pay agreement for social care workers, involving a £500 million investment. Referring to Rayner’s personal experience as a care worker turned Deputy PM, Streeting expressed gratitude for her contributions and emphasized the importance of her return.
This follows Rayner’s recent resignation as Deputy PM and Housing Secretary after admitting to underpaying taxes on her property in Hove. An ethics investigation found that she had breached the ministerial code by underpaying stamp duty on her East Sussex property. Rayner also stepped down as deputy leader of the Labour Party, prompting a leadership contest between Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell. Steve Reed, the current Housing Secretary, lauded Rayner as a “true working class hero.”
Although not present at this year’s conference in Liverpool, Rayner expressed appreciation for the continued support and activism within the Labour Government. In her resignation letter to Keir Starmer, Rayner accepted responsibility for the tax error and reiterated her intention to rectify the situation. Citing the toll on her children from the controversy, Rayner received a heartfelt response from Starmer assuring her continued significance within the party.
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